What Is Gout?



Picture from epharmapedia.com

 According to Mayoclinic.com, Gout is a form of arthritis charachterized by sudden severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in joints.  This pain often occurs in the joint at the base of the big toe.  The pain of gout may wake you up in the middle of the night and give the sensation that your toe is on fire.  The joint may be hot, swollen, and extremely tender to the touch.

If you suffer from regular arthritis pain, visit our product store for pain relief products like biofreeze.  Its cold application reduces the sensation of pain and inflammation, while the cold and re-warming stimulates the healing of tissue.

Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in your blood.  The high levels or uric acid create urate crystals that accumalate and your joint and cause pain and inflammation. 

Some people are at a higher risk for gout depending on age, sex, family history, and life style.  Men between the ages of forty and fifty are the most likely to develop gout.  Women's risk of gout increases after menopause.  A family history of gout also increases your chances of gout along with drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.

People who suffer from gout may develop more serious problems including recurring gout, advanced gout, and kidney stones.  Gout may only affect a person once but it can also come back several times a year.  Recurring gout can be prevented with medication.  If gout is left untreated, a person may develop advanced gout.  Advanced gout is characterized by deposits of urate crystals, called tophi, developing under the skin.  Tophi can become swollen and painful during gout attacks.  Gout can also cause kidney stones.  Kidney stones are caused from urate crystals collecting in the urinary tract.  Kidney stones may also be treated with medication. 

Joint fluid and blood tests may be used to diagnose gout. Once gout is diagnosed, it is usually treated with a medication.  Along with medication, a change in diet may also help.  This may include taking in more fluid, avoiding alchohol, a moderate amount of protein, and limiting the amount of meat, fish, and poultry.

If you suspect you have gout call our office at 419-423-1888 and schedule an appoinitment. You can also visit our website to learn more about our office and your feet.