Gout is one of those medical ailments shrouded in mystery and plagued by misconception. You may think that it’s a disease brought about by over eating and excessive drinking. Gout has carried this stigma for many years, and those who suffer with it often feel too embarrassed to seek proper treatment.
Gout is a medical condition that is quite prevalent in modern day society; however, few realize that it is actually a form of arthritis. Gout is a disease that is trademarked by a high degree of pain that is centralized on one particular joint. More often than not, in about seventy-five percent of all cases, gout is present in the big toe. The condition causes intense pain, swelling, stiffness, and a warm feeling in the affected area.
Causes and Contributors
There is uncertainty as to the exact cause of gout, but scientists agree that the root of the problem may lie in the body’s inability to metabolize a naturally occurring substance called purine. The human body naturally metabolizes purine into uric acid, but people with gout tend to have increased levels of uric acid production in their systems.
The development of gout may be attributed to the body’s inability to properly excrete uric acid. The actual problems caused by gout are directly linked to the crystallization of uric acid within the body. This crystallization causes the swelling and intense pain experienced by those suffering with gout.
The development of gout is still the center of much controversy. Many believe that gout is caused by ongoing or excessive use of alcohol, coupled with improper diet and inactivity. Those with a diet low in purine-neutralizing foods such as strawberries, cherries, and celery may be at a higher risk of gout development.
If you do face the risk of gout, you should avoid high-purine foods such as alcohol, scallops, sardines, anchovies, and diet soda. All of these foods possess high levels of purine, so they should be avoided in your efforts to lessen your risk of developing gout.
Treatments
If you suffer with the agonizing pain of gout, there are only a few options available. Sometimes, gout pain can be so intense that even a light blanket draped over the feet brings about terrible suffering. A relaxing soak in a warm bath can help to reduce swelling and increase blood circulation in the affected area. The warm bath water can also help to decrease the amount of crystallization of the uric acids that cause the disease.
Placing an ice pack on the affected area is one common misconception that should be avoided. Some people believe that this can decrease the pain and swelling of gout, but it actually aggravates the problem. Lower temperatures only increase the crystallization of uric acids in the body.
When discussing the problem with gout with your doctor, there are a number of solutions that he or she may suggest to aid your suffering. Some common recommendations include a drug named indomethacin. Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also be prescribed. NSAIDs are used to decrease the inflammation of the affected area, and they provide some degree of pain relief.
Gout attacks will come and go, and the condition can flare up without warning. Your doctor may recommend allopurinol, a drug which helps to reduce the body’s production of uric acid and limits the amount of crystallization that may occur.
Don’t be embarrassed if gout strikes you. See your doctor right away, and get the relief that you need. Find out more about the treatment methods that can help you enjoy a pain-free lifestyle.