Gout And Its Major Symptoms
by: Henry Taylor on Sun, 12 Sep 2010 at: 5:09 AM Go to: Previous Article Next Article
Gout is an arthritis form. Gout causes swelling and inflammation at one joint of the body. The gout's main target is big toe. The other major joint which can be affected with gout are
Heels , Ankles, Knees, Fingers, Wrists, Elbows.
Gout is impartial with gender it is more among men e.g. in the age group of 30 to 60 and to women it is after their menopause.
Some of the common symptoms of the gout are
Intense pain in the joint
Inflammation and warmth at the joint
Mild fever
Tophi are formed under the skin which are white lumps
Gout is left untreated it causes severe complications, some of the complications of the gout are
Gout affecting many joints
Urate crystals leading to kidneys stones
Nephropathy
Gout causes
High uric acid content in the body leads to gout. Uric acid is a chemical substances and is waste product usually formed from substances called as purines. Uric acid in the body is filtered out through urine.
The uric acid levels in the body is high due to the following reasons.
Body producing excessive uric acid
Kidneys unable to pass out uric acid
If the level of the uric acid becomes too high in the body it forms tiny crystals at the tissues, particularly at region near joints , which is the main cause of swelling and pain.
Some of the risk factors of the gout are
Intake of too much of alcohol
Taking of certain medicines like diuretics
Family history of gout
Due to kidney diseases
Being overweight
Having high blood pressure
Diagnosis of gout
Gout diagnosis is difficult due it random behavior with uric acid levels. To diagnose gout a needle is inserted at the affected joint and synovial fluid is taken and observed under microscope to see crystals of uric acid.
Gout prevention steps
Purine content foods should be avoided. Examples of it are seafood, liver, kidney and certain vegetables like cauliflower, asparagus, mushrooms, oatmeal.
Stop alcohol particularly beer
Take more fluids particularly water
Taking a well nutritious diet and involving in physical activity
About the Author
Learn more about gout treatment. Read this article on gout symptoms.
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