What is gout?

What is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis. Arthritis means inflammation of a joint that can occur at any age, but affects older people the most. Gout is the build up of uric acid crystals in the joint fluid. The difference in gout and any other type of arthritis is that it contains itself in specific areas of the body. Most affected are the big toe, ankle, knee, wrist and elbow.

· Heredity

· Men over forty

· Alcohol consumption

· Organ meat consumption

· Immune system deficiencies

· Abnormal uric acid levels (build up of uric acid)

· Poor diet or constant dieting

· Obesity

· Repeated jarring of the joint (high impact exercise)

· The intake of diuretics

· Shell fish consumption

Symptoms

· A sudden onset of burning type pain in the joint

· Swelling of the area

· Warm to the touch

· Stiffness

· Possible joint lock (inability to move the joint)

· Severe pain when area is touched or manipulated

Treatment

Repeated jarring of the joint during activities will increase the joint pain, regular exercise will help to reduce the pain and may even prevent the flare up. Exercise feeds the joint cartilage and helps to remove by products or wastes that tend to build up. These activities will increase blood supply, strengthen muscles and support the joint.

Taking warm showers or baths may help to relieve stiffness. If the joint is swollen do not apply heat, this will only aggravate the condition. Work the joint daily two to three times in a full range of motion. During a flair up, rest the sore joint and avoid activity that puts unneeded strain or weight on the joint. Apply cold packs to inflamed or swollen joints for fifteen to twenty minutes, once an hour. The cold will reduce pain and swelling. Drinking they have proven that cranberry juice helped in the excretion of uric acid. Permanent damage can occur if they do not treat episodes of Gout properly. Use Tylenol or other pain medication that your doctor may have prescribed for your condition. Do not exceed the recommended dosage of over the counter medications and consult with your physician if the pain does not decrease.

The most common mistake in recovering from Gout is thinking the problem is gone when the pain is gone. Gout may recur if they do not heal the area, and you begin a rigorous exercise program. Positive range of motion exercises and gradual return to normal activities will help.

Call your health care professional if you notice any of these problems.

· Fever with joint swelling

· Rash with joint swelling or pain

· Redness that travels away from the affected area

· Severe pain that causes lock joint

· Sudden or unexplained swelling in multiple joints

· If you experience side effects from over the counter medication

· If you do not get any relief from over the counter medications

· If joint pain lasts longer than three to four weeks

· If you have diabetes, poor circulation, or peripheral vascular disease