What is Gout?
Gout is a common, but complex form of arthritis that affects anyone. Gout is characterized by swelling, redness and pain in joints especially in the base of the big toe. An attack of gout occurs suddenly, waking you up in the middle of the night with a sharp piercing pain in your big toe. The affected joint is hot, swollen and so tender that even the slightest weight can be tolerated.
Symptoms
Following are the symptoms of gout
- Intense pain in joints
- Persistent discomfort
- Inflammation & Redness
- Restriction in motion
Causes
Gout occurs when urate crystals get accumulated in joints causing inflammation and intense pain. Urate crystals form when uric acid gets high in the blood. Normally, the body has the ability to dissolve uric acid in the blood and then passes it in kidneys, but sometimes when uric acid is in excess; it builds up inside the body and gets accumulated in joints.
Risk Factors
Following are the risk factors that increase your chances of getting gout
- Diet rich in uric acid
- Obesity
- Medical conditions like diabetes, metabolic syndromes and kidney diseases
- Family history
- Certain medications
Prevention
Following preventions can be taken
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Limit alcohol use
- Acquire protein from low-dairy products
- Limit intake of meat
- Lose weight