What’s the first symptom of gout?
The sudden assault of a hot, red, and swollen joint is the first symptom of gout, although it can actually take years for uric acid levels to rise enough to trigger gout.
What are some other symptoms of gout?
- A red or purple color that will look infected surrounds the affected joint.
- A slight-grade fever.
- Pain in the affected joint will be felt if movement is attempted.
What causes these symptoms of gout?
There are nine conditions that trigger the symptoms of gout. They are:
- More often than not, it is the elevated rise or uric acid in the blood.
- An injury or illness can also trigger gout attacks.
- Lifestyle factors can affect gout onsets. Specific actions include alcohol consumption and being more than 30 lbs overweight.
- Certain foods can increase your risk for gout. Foods that are high in purines should be totally eliminated from a gout sufferer’s diet. Some of those foods include alcohol, anchovies, gravy, broths, duck, herring, goose, partridge, mackerel, sardines, mincemeat, mussels, organ meats (brain, heart, kidney, liver, sweetbread), roe, and scallops.
- Certain medical conditions like arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), diabetes, hyperlipidemia (high levels of fat and cholesterol in the blood), and hypertension (high blood pressure).
- Certain medications like anti-rejection drugs, diuretics, and low-dose aspirin can raise uric acid levels.
- Genetics play a role in gout onset.
- Age. Men between the ages of 40-50 are susceptible to gout. Women become more susceptible to gout after menopause. Although, no one is immune to gout.
- Sex. Gout generally occurs more in men than women.
Can symptoms of gout be confused with symptoms of other conditions?
Yes, symptoms of gout and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are very similar. That’s why it’s important to not self-diagnose your symptoms.
Are symptoms of pseudogout and symptoms of gout the same thing?
Pseudogout and gout are often confused because their names sound closely related and the symptoms of each are so similar. Consider the following juxtaposition of the two:
Pseudogout is a form of arthritis that results in sudden and severe pain. Pseudogout attacks can last from days to weeks. Pseudogout affects big joints. Pseudogout is caused by calcium crystals. Specific symptoms of pseudogout include redness of the affected joint, severe pain of the affected joint, swelling of the affected joint, and warmth of the affected joint. Pseudogout usually strikes older people.
Gout is a form of arthritis that results in sudden and severe pain. Gout attacks usually last 5-10 days. Gout affects smaller joints. Gout is caused by uric acid crystals. Specific symptoms of gout include redness of the affected joint, severe joint pain, swelling of the affected joint, and tenderness of the affected joint. Gout can strike anyone.
What can eliminate my symptoms of gout?
You can control your gout pain several ways.
The best way to eliminate your symptoms of gout is to prevent the symptoms of gout from coming on. You can do this best if you drink plenty of fluids, eliminate alcohol consumption, eliminate high-purine foods from your diet, and maintain a healthy weight.
There are medications available to control your gout pain, but you need to be aware of the harmful side effects they bring.
Alternative choices are safe and effective supplements without harmful side effects.
Is it possible to live without symptoms of gout?
Absolutely! You have just learned nine triggers of gout. Granted, some of them are not within your control, but most of them are! Make intelligence decisions to avoid future gout pains.
