Many people around the world have heard of gout, but really don't know what it is. It is an illness that doctors have known about for a long time. Commonly, however, gout was identified with wealthy people who over indulged in fatty foods. This misinformation has lead to a negative stigma being associated with the illness. Gout is actually an extremely painful condition which is caused by inflammation of the joints. Wrists and ankles, as well as hands and feet, are often afflicted. Many people also experience a swollen big toe on at least one foot. Who Gets Gout? When the body produces too much uric acid, and this acid forms crystals that build up in the joints, gout is the result. The painful inflammation of the joints is the result of this accumulation of uric acid crystals. The negative image of gout being associated with over indulgence has definitely dissipated. The medical community and the general public are far more knowledgeable that they were and have come to realize that gout is a painful, yet treatable, medical condition. What Are the Symptoms of Gout? Many people who suffer with gout will tell you that the symptoms seemed to appear out of nowhere. This is one of the unfortunate trademarks of the disease. Symptoms can appear literally overnight. Patients report feelings of sudden pain, accompanied by swelling around the affected joint. The skin will turn a pinkish red, and appear to be shiny. Left untreated, these forms of "gout attack" can last for about a week. Another common symptom of gout is lumps that appear beneath the skin, especially around the heels, elbows and ears. The same uric acid crystals that cause pain and swelling in the joints will create these lumps, and may even create kidney stones. If untreated gout can cause severe and permanent joint damage. If you suspect that you have gout, the best course of action would be to go to the doctor right away. Some people who have an attack of gout never experience another attack. The less fortunate suffer attacks over the course of their lives. Remember, though, the pain of these attacks can be treated. Before a treatment plan can be outlined, your doctor will ensure a positive diagnosis for gout. Since the condition can resemble other forms of arthritis, it is not always an easy diagnosis to make. A complete physical examination and diagnostic tests are required for positive results. You doctor may take a sample of your joint fluids to measure the presence of uric acid crystals. Similarly, blood samples may be taken to measure the uric acid levels. How is Gout Treated? Once it has been determined that you do, indeed, have gout, you can begin treatment immediately. Gout can now be managed quite successfully. This is great news for the millions of gout sufferers around the world. There are at least a half million people with gout in the United States alone. Medications, such as allopurinal, can be prescribed to reduce the production of uric acid by the body. Also, anti-inflammatory medications can be used to reduce swelling and pain. Ibuprofen is often successful. It is not a good idea to take aspirin if you suffer from gout. As with many types of arthritis, some of the symptoms of gout can be reduced through regular exercise and a healthy diet. This will likely be recommended by your doctor. As with any medical condition, it's important to speak with your doctor if you think you have gout. He or she will give you a proper physical assessment to verify your diagnosis, and then suggest a treatment program for you.
Please Rate this Article 5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5
Not yet Rated
