What is Gout?

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis. It causes pain and swelling in the joints. It is said to be the most common inflammatory arthritis. It is more common in men than women.

People with this condition may experience a flare-up of symptoms that come and go at certain intervals. These are known as gout attacks. These flare-ups resolve by themselves. This phase is called gout remission.

For most people, gout begins in the big toe. However, it can affect other joints, including:

• Knees
• Ankles
• Wrist and hands
• Elbows

Gout occurs when high levels of uric acid build up in the body and form needle-shaped crystals in or around various joints. This irritates the joint tissues, resulting in inflammation and, subsequently, arthritis.

It is essential to understand that gout has no cure, but it can be managed effectively with the help of your doctor and healthcare team. Lifestyle management forms an integral part of gout treatment.

What causes gout?

A build-up of excess uric acid causes gout. Uric acid is naturally produced by the body when purines ( a type of chemical found in certain foods) are broken down. This uric acid is filtered by the kidneys and eliminated via the urine.

Sometimes, when your body makes excess uric acid, or your kidneys are unable to remove it in sufficient quantities, blood levels of uric acid increase (a condition called hyperuricemia). This excess uric acid builds up in the joints as crystals that trigger pain, swelling and other associated symptoms.

You must understand that having high uric acid temporarily does not mean you will develop gout. However, a few factors that contribute to gout are:

• Having a family history of gout
• Increasing age
• Consumption of alcohol
• Eating foods rich in purines
• Having sodas or other beverages that are rich in fructose corn syrup

People with certain health conditions are more likely to develop gout, including:

• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Obesity
• Kidney disease
• Blood cancer
• Congestive heart failure

Common gout symptoms

A gout attack is often painful and usually occurs suddenly. A few common symptoms that you may experience during a gout attack include:

• Intense pain
• Redness or discolouration around the affected joint
• Swelling and stiffness around the joint or limb
• Tenderness, even with the lightest touch
• A warm feeling of the joint

A gout flare-up usually occurs at night; the pain is bad enough to wake you up.

Why Does Gout Flare Up?

The exact cause of why gout flares up is unknown, but a few factors that may trigger it include:

• Certain foods
• Alcohol
• Some medications
• Physical trauma
• Some illnesses

While some people have flare-ups for years together, others may have more frequent episodes. Once gout symptoms flare up, they resolve in a week or two. However, if gout is left untreated, the flare-ups last longer and may happen more often.

Untreated gout for long periods may result in the development of tophi in the joints (build-up of sharp needle-like crystals that form hard lumps under the skin, in and around the joints). While these tophi start off painless, over time, they become painful and affect the shape and functioning of the joints.

Gout treatment and management

 Though gout cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed to relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life. Managing your diet to reduce foods rich in purines is also helpful in preventing flare-ups and managing symptoms when they do.

• Medications: Your doctor may provide medications to relieve your symptoms, including NSAIDs, colchicine and corticosteroids.
• Diet: A low purine diet is recommended for people with gout as it helps reduce the uric acid levels in your blood.

Can Gout be Prevented?

Gout can be prevented, and the best way to do so is to follow a few tips given below:

• Drink 2 to 4 litres every day
• Avoid drinking alcohol
• Maintain optimum weight
• Have a low-purine diet
• Get regular exercise to reduce the stress on your joints and maintain a moderate weight

Conclusion

Gout is a painful and debilitating condition that affects many individuals worldwide. By making necessary lifestyle changes, like adopting a healthy diet, maintaining a proper weight, and staying hydrated, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing gout or experiencing recurrent attacks.

It is important to seek timely medical advice and visit reliable diagnostic service providers, such as Metropolis Labs, who can help provide accurate diagnosis and comprehensive testing.

Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to managing gout, and by taking proactive measures and partnering with trusted healthcare experts, individuals can take control of their health and lead a life free from the grip of gout.