Gout is sometimes called the "disease of kings" because it has long been associated with the wrong kind of excess in food and wine, only the rich and powerful could afford. Gout is one of the most common forms of arthritis (inflammation). Gout is the state resulting from uric acid crystals in the filing of body tissues. Gout is characterized by an overload of uric acid in the body and recurring attacks of inflammation (arthritis). The chronic gout can lead to hard nodule deposits of uric acid in and around the joints, decreased renal function and kidney stones. Gout affects about 1 in 100 people and less than 6 to 7 per cent of older men. Men are more likely to find that women are the drop, but women are becoming more sensitive to the drop after menopause. It occurs more frequently in countries that have a high standard of living. Mostly male over the age of 40. Gout affects up to 500000 (1 to 30) of Canadians. Gout attacks usually the big toe (about 75 percent of initial attacks), but it can also affect other joints such as the ankle, heel, foot, knee, wrist, elbow, fingers, and the spine. The most common sign of gout is a nighttime attack of the swelling, tenderness, redness and pain in your big toe. Gout is strongly associated with obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. Due to genetic factors, the drop tends to run in some families. Gout can be inherited or occur as a complication of another condition. The use of thiazide diuretics used to treat high blood pressure and low dose aspirin may also raise levels of uric acid. Left untreated can cause permanent joint gout and kidney damage. You can treat gout with drugs. The first line of treatment should be pain relief. NSAIDs may control inflammation and pain in patients with gout. NSAIDs include over-the-counter options such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen (Aleve, others), as well as the most powerful prescription NSAIDs. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, given in short courses, are powerful anti-inflammatory agents for the treatment of acute gout. The ice can be applied for 20-30 minutes several times a day. Weight reduction may help to lower the risk of recurrent attacks of gout. The best solution is to reduce dietary fat and calorie intake combined with a programme of regular aerobic exercise. Alcohol consumption should be reduced or stopped. Gout Treatment and Prevention Tips 1. Drinking alcohol should be reduced or stopped. 2. Try to keep your weight down. 3. Use helpful devices such as a cart to carry your grocery bags. 4. Applying heat helps relax aching muscles, and reduces joint pain and soreness. 5. Applying cold helps to lessen the pain and swelling in a joint. 6. Vitamin C, taken in high doses, can help decrease blood uric acid levels. 7 NSAIDS such as indomethacin (Indocin) and naproxen (Naprosyn) are effective anti-inflammatory medications for acute gout.
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