Gout occurs when there is an excess build-up of uric acid in the blood. Therefore, if your body produces too much uric acid and the kidneys fail to clean it, the build-up results in uric crystals forming around the joints.

These tiny sharp uric causes inflammation of the joints, making them appear red, swollen, and very painful. Nonetheless, uric acid is the by-product of broken-down proteins and purines in the body. Usually, the causes of high uric levels derive from genetics, specific medications, obesity, and poor kidney functions.

What’s more? Read on for more information on gout.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis whereby tiny sharp uric crystals form in the joints. Also, it t leads to sudden joint attacks causing severe inflammation and pain, usually in a single joint. Still, painful gout can affect many joints at the same time resulting in polyarticular gout.

According to research, an average of 2 of every 100 people has gout in the UK. Moreover, it’s a condition that primarily affects men beyond 30 years old and women who hit menopause. This is to say that gout is more prevalent in men than women.

Furthermore, gout can be unbearably painful. Luckily, there are different types of treatments for relieving symptoms and preventing more attacks.
Signs and Symptoms of Gout

Gout tends to attack any joint; but mainly affects the joints at the end of the limbs like fingers, toes, knees, and toes.


Signs and symptoms of gout are as below;

•    Red, glossy skin on the affected joint. 
•    Extreme pain in one or several joints.
•    Inflammation in and near the affected joint.
•    The joint experiencing extreme heat and feels very tender to touch.

Gout symptoms progress quickly in a few hours and usually last from 3-10 days or extreme discomfort. Subsequently, the pain passes, and the joints go back to normal, awaiting future attacks if not treated immediately.
If your doctor diagnoses you with gout after examining the signs and symptoms, rest assured that you will likely experience more attacks in one year.


Treatments for Gout

Well, gout is not a death sentence. Lucky for gout patients, treatments are readily available. These treatments work to;

Ease the severe symptoms during an attack. This treatment includes the use of ice packs and medications containing anti-inflammatory and non-steroid agents, preferably colchicine or corticosteroids.

Inhibit more attacks. The doctor advises the gout patient to go through a series of lifestyle changes like weight loss or change of diet. Moreover, the patient should also take medication to reduce uric acid levels like allopurinol.
Undeniably, with proper treatment, many people suffering from gout can lower their high uric acid levels. This way, they dissolve the sharp uric acid crystals that cause gout hence no more attacks in the future. Still, it would be best to seek a long-term treatment plan.

More Problems from Gout

If left untreated for a prolonged time, gout will lead to more problems in the body. Well, all diseases do that when there’s a lack of prompt treatment.
With untreated gout, you are likely to develop;

•    Permanent joint failure
•    Kidney stones
•    Tophi- tiny uric acid crystals under the skin

Seek medical attention immediately you see any signs and symptoms.


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What Are The Causes Of Gout?