Gout Symptoms and Solutions Uncovered

                

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Few people realize that gout is actually a form of arthritis and an extremely painful one at that. This is why so many sufferers are eager to understand the gout symptoms and solutions available to them.

The first symptom most gout sufferers have are usually unexpected and painful. The main symptoms include throbbing, hot, red and swollen joint. The joints most effected by these sudden gout flare-ups are the foot and ankle joints, and most commonly the big toe joint. A gout attack normally occurs at night and can make even the weight of a blanket on the effected joint unbearable.

With the first episode the symptoms usually last between 5 and 10 days, gradually disappearing, leaving the joint 'back to normal'. However, once you've had one gout attack another will usually follow, anywhere between 6 months and 2 years.

So, what causes this sudden joint inflammation and pain?

Well, it's a result of excess uric acid being deposited by the body into the joints and soft tissues surrounding the joints.

Uric acid is formed during the breakdown and processing of purine, a compound that is naturally found in your body and also in the food that we eat. As the body metabolizes purine it forms uric acid as a waste product that is eliminated via the kidneys in our urine.

When there is too much uric acid being produced or the body can't dispose of quickly enough, the uric acid stays in the blood stream and is deposited in 'convenient' places, like the joints in crystal form. It is these crystals that cause gout symptoms to flare up.

When a gout attack happens the pain can be pretty intense which sends most people running (or perhaps limping) to the doctor. Commonly NSAID's will be prescribed. These are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that target the swelling in the joint, although they don't do anything about reducing the uric acid levels. Make sure you ask your doctor about the potential side effects of these.

If the gout attack is very severe a corticosteriod drug may be prescribed instead. Steroids are very effective at bringing pain under control swiftly, however the side effects can be just as dramatic. Make sure you understand the risks involved if prescribed these drugs.

Once you have the pain from the initial attack under control it's time to look at why you had the gout flare-up in the first place.

Some medical conditions can lead to the development of gout, such as untreated hypertension, diabetes, being obese or having high cholesterol. Medications too can increase your risk of developing gout. Low-dose aspirin can increase uric acid levels and some hypertension medications too.

Gout can be hereditary, so take a good look at your family history and be sure to tell you doctor if a close relative suffers with gout. Being a man also increases your risk for developing gout as men have naturally higher levels of uric acid compared to women. This is why when women do get gout, it's usually after the menopause when their estrogen levels are reduced.

Finally gout can be down to your lifestyle choices. Too much alcohol is a common reason for developing gout as is eating a diet high in purine, i.e. lots of red meat, gravies, shellfish and dried legumes.

There are some medications that your doctor can prescribe that reduce the level of uric acid produced by your body. However a healthier way, and what that is more natural, is to make some easy lifestyle changes that allow your body to regain its balance.
1. Follow a low purine diet - swap high protein foods for a more carbohydrate based diet.
2. Lose weight if your overweight, as this can reduce uric acid production. It is best to lose weight steadily rather than do a crash diet as this can temporarily raise uric acid levels, increasing your risk for gout.
3. Limit alcohol or avoid it altogether if you can. Men should limit consumption to two drinks a day, and women one drink a day.
4. Drink lots of water as this helps to dilute the uric acid in your blood and allows the kidneys to eliminate the excess more easily.

If you need more information on natural gout symptoms and solutions you can find out more on our website.

By Lisa McDowell. Sign up now for a free newsletter & discover the various gout symptoms and solutions. Find out why exercise as an effective natural cure for gout.