Gout can be a common, complex form of arthritis. Gout is characterized as severe, sudden pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in one or several joints, usually the big toe. Gout Big Toe
Gout attacks can strike suddenly, and you may wake up feeling like your big toes are on fire. Gout can cause a severe pain in the affected joint. Although gout symptoms can be temporary, there are ways to manage them and prevent flare-ups. In this Channel you will learn all about Gout and how to treat it: Gout Home Remedy
Signs
Gout symptoms and signs almost always appear suddenly, often late at nights. These symptoms include:
Severe joint pain. Gout typically affects the bigtoe but can also occur in other joints. Gout can also affect the ankles as well as the knees, elbows and wrists. It is most likely that the pain will be severe within four to twelve hours of it starting.
Persistent discomfort. Some joint discomfort can persist after the worst pain has subsided. This may last for several days or even weeks. Later attacks will likely last longer and impact more joints. Here you will learn more about the symptoms: Gout Symptoms
Redness and swelling. Swollen, tender, warm, and reddened joints are common.
Limitation of range of motion Gout can cause joint pain and make it difficult to move normally.
Causes
Gout is caused by urate crystals building up in joints. This causes inflammation and severe pain. If you have high levels uric acid, urate crystals may form. Uric acid is produced by the body when it breaks down purines. These are substances found naturally in the body.
Some foods contain purines, such as red meat and organ meats like liver. Anchovies and other shellfish rich in purines include mussels, anchovies and trout. Higher levels of uric acids are promoted by alcohol, particularly beer and sweetened beverages with fruit sugar (fructose).
Uric acid is normally dissolved in blood and passed through the kidneys to the urine. Sometimes, the body produces too much or the kidneys produce too little uric acid. This is when uric acid forms sharp, needle-shaped crystals in joints or surrounding tissues, which can cause pain, inflammation, and swelling. There are many home remedies that can prevent gout: Home Remedies For Gout
Risk Factors
High levels of uric acids in the body can make you more susceptible to developing gout. The following factors can increase the amount of uric acid within the body:
Diet. Gout can be caused by a diet that consists primarily of red meat, seafood, and sweetened beverages with fruit sugar (fructose). Gout can also be caused by alcohol consumption, particularly beer.
Weight. Your body will produce more uric acid if you are overweight. This makes it more difficult for your kidneys.
Conditions that are medical. Gout can be increased by certain diseases and conditions. Untreated high blood pressure, chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome, along with other diseases and conditions can increase your risk of developing gout.
Certain medications. Low-dose aspirin and some medications used to control hypertension, including thiazide diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and beta-blockers, can also increase uric acid levels. The same effects can be seen in people who have had organ transplants. Gout can also appear in the hands, learn more about it here: Gout Hand
Complications
Gout can lead to more severe conditions such as these:
Recurrent gout. Gout may not be a common condition. Some people may experience gout multiple times per year. Gout attacks can be prevented by taking medication. Gout can cause joint damage and even death if left untreated.
Gouty arthritis. Gout can lead to deposits of urate crystals under the skin, called tophi. Tophi can form in many areas such as the elbows, fingers, and Achilles tendons at the back of your ankles. Tophi are not usually painful but can become tender and inflamed during gout attacks.
Kidney stones. People with gout can develop kidney stones from the buildup of uric acid crystals. Kidney stones can be reduced by taking medication. Curcumin and Boswellia are perfect natural remedies to combat gout: Gout Treatment