What is Gout?
Gout is one of the most historically well-documented diseases. It has been around for hundreds of years (maybe even millions of years) and has been recorded in uncountable texts. Gout is a condition that causes sudden, severe attacks of pain in the joints, most commonly the big toe. Other symptoms include:
- Tenderness
- Redness
- Warmth
- Swelling
Gout can also be present in other joints, like:
- Knee
- Ankle
- Wrist
- Hand
What causes gout?
Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid. This acid then forms crystals and deposits itself into the joints. Gout can be a genetic condition passed down through the generations, or it can occur as the result of a different condition.
Who gets gout?
The most common sufferers of gout are men over the age of 40, but women can get gout too. Most women who get gout get it after menopause.
Fun facts: Famous cases of gout:
- Thomas Jefferson
- Benjamin Franklin
- Henry the Eighth
- Alfred Lord Tennyson
- Karl Marx
- Charles V
- The Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton named “Sue”
What can bring on an episode of gout?
There are many triggers to an episode of gout. Some of the most common ones are:
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Overeating or eating certain foods
- Surgery
- Unsafe diets
- Sudden severe illness
- Chemotherapy
- Joint injury
How is gout diagnosed?
If you think you might have gout, see your doctor. Your doctor will diagnose you with gout on the basis of the following:
- A physical exam
- Examination of your medical history
- Blood tests to measure the levels of uric acid in your blood
- A joint fluid test to detect uric acid crystals in the joint
How is gout treated?
There are many options available for treating gout. A change in diet is the most common method, but there are other options if you have a stubborn case of gout that will not go away even with a change in diet.
Diet change usually alleviates gout symptoms. Avoid:
- Red meat
- Alcohol
- Refined foods
- Sugar
- Caffeine
- Over-the counter NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These may provide some relief, but often are not strong enough to truly alleviate the excruciating pain of gout. NSAIDs can cause unpleasant side effects like stomach pain, bleeding, and ulcers when used long-term
- Steroids.
These can be effective, but can have harmful side effects like
- Thinning bones
- Inability of wounds to heal
- Compromised immune system
Also, be sure to drink plenty of liquids. This helps reduce the concentration of uric acid crystals and also helps with elimination.
Herbal remedies
There are many herbal remedies that have been found to be effective, with few side effects. Since humans have always suffered from gout, some very effective, time-tested herbal remedies are available:
- Natural plant steroids like yucca
- Cynara Scolymus (from artichokes)
- Silymarin
- Turmeric
It is best to find a supplement that combines some or all of these key ingredients.
Sources
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gout/DS00090/DSECTION=10
http://orthopedics.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=orthopedics&cdn=health&tm=124&f=10&su=p247.3.140.ip_p284.8.150.ip_&tt=14&bt=0&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.arthritis.org/conditions/DiseaseCenter/gout.asp
