Gout

 

 

Gout is a disease that causes swelling of the joints. It is associated with severe pain in the affected areas and also demands extreme cautiousness in the initial stages of the disease.

 

 

Common causes of gout are: 

1. Increased concentration of uric acid in the blood. This condition is referred to as ‘hyperuricemia.’

2. As a defense against the formation of crystals, the immune system tries to play its role in attacking them that finally results in the joint pain.

3. Men as compared to women are at an increased risk of being diagnosed with the disease in the early age of 40s.

 

 

Common signs may include:

1. Severe pain in ankles, heels, wrists, elbow, knees, and fingers

2. Significant swelling and redness in the toe

3. Long lasting pain in the joints

4. If remained untreated, may completely damage the bones

 

 

1. Your doctor may perform physical tests and examination.

2. To test the concentration of uric acid, you may be asked to get a blood sample test done.

3. The disease is detected through x-ray examination that shows the presence of uric acid crystals and bone damages.

 

 

This disease is treated to get rid of the pain, inflammation, and also to decrease the uric acid level in the blood.

1. To reduce the pain, your doctor may prescribe you with pain killers

2. You may be recommended to use colchicine to decrease the swelling of joints

3. Acute gout can be best treated by the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and allopurinol is given to take care of the uric acid level in the blood.

4. Make sure you drink a lot of water to flush out uric acid.

 

 

1. Lack of attention towards the disease may damage the joints permanently.

2. It may also affect the kidneys.