What is Gout?: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Gout is considered as a type of arthritis, which can cause intense pain, stiffness in joint as well as swelling. Traditionally, the problem of gout affects the joint in the big toe. The problem of gout can come again and again and may cause lot of problems. It causes harm to the regional tissues along with inflammation.

Even though the problem was first observed long back in 2640 BC, it has remain one of the big health issues with a large number of people suffering from this painful condition. According to the experts it has also been linked to metabolic as well as cardiovascular diseases.

It should be noted that gout can be treatable and you can get rid of the sudden as well as severe pain. Following some major preventive tips can also be helpful in preventing the development of the disease.

Here, we have tried to provide all the important information about the problem of gout along with its causes as well as symptoms. Read on to know more about the preventive measures of gout along with some of the major home remedies.

What is Gout?

To put in brief, gout is the inflammatory arthritis condition, which affects joints as well as musculoskeletal system in the body. This is the most common condition, which affects especially by the men. However, women can also suffer with the disease after menopause.

It causes sudden and severe pain along with redness, tenderness in the joints. The condition of podagra takes place when the gout occurs in the big toe area. The condition occur due to the deposition of uric acid in the form of crystals in the tissues in the body.

The inflammation takes place when these crystals penetrate the joints and starts to form lumps under the skin, surrounded by joints. Every year large number of Americans fall ill due to the problem of gout.

Causes of Gout

The main cause of development of gout in the body is due to the deposition of excess uric acid in the blood. The production of uric acid in the body takes place during the breakdown of purines, which are chemical compounds found in meat, seafood, and poultry.

The uric acid dissolved in the blood and then gets out from the body in urine via kidneys. Failing of excretion or overproduction of the uric acid lead to the development of crystals which causes pain as well as inflammation in the joints as well as the tissues surrounding the joints.

What are the Symptoms and Signs of Gout?

The symptoms of gout can be shown suddenly especially in night and it includes, intense pain in joints along with discomfort, redness as well as inflammation. Although the main area of causing gout is the big toe, it can also take place in knees, ankles, wrists, elbows as well as fingers. Generally, it has been found that the problem of gout progresses in four important stages.

1. Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia: In this stage, you will be suffering from hyperuricemia or increased level of uric acid without any outward symptoms. Although a significant amount of crystals are deposited in the tissues in this stage, usually treatment is recommended. Doctor may prescribe methods to control the overproduction of uric acid in the body.
2. Acute Gout: In this stage, the deposited crystals causes sudden acute inflammation along with the intense pain. This sudden pain, which is known as “flare” will go away in 3-10 days. This pain can be caused due to alcohol and drug consumption along with stressful events.
3. Intercritical or Interval Gout: This is the stage, which occurs between the period of two flares. Although the flares does not occur every month or year, they can last longer if not treated well. Urate crystals also starts to deposited in the tissue in this stage.
4. Chronic Tophaceous Gout: It is the final stage of gout, in which permanent damage can be caused to the kidneys as well as joints. In this stage, patient may also suffer with the problem of chronic arthritis and big lumps will start to develop in the joints and fingers.

It should be noted that it can take around 10 years to reach gout to the fourth and the final stage. With the proper treatment, the percentage of the patient reaching the final stage is highly rare.

How to Cure Gout Pain? Gout Treatment

The most common treatment to cure the gout pain is providing medications. Along with preventing future flare pain and symptoms of gout medications are also useful in reducing the complications of the gout problem such as kidney stones as well as the development of tophi.

Most commonly used medications include, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as colchicine or corticosteroids. These orally taken drugs can help in reducing the pain as well as inflammation due to gout problem.

Your doctor may also prescribe some drugs to control the production of uric acid in the body or to strengthen the kidneys to eliminate excess uric acid from the body.

Natural Home Remedies For Gout

You can also treat the problem of gout with the help of effective natural home remedies which are listed below.

1. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar, along with treating headaches and stomach problems, is also effective in treating arthritis and gout. The acute pain in gout can be relieved with the help of acidity. Adding honey to the apple cider vinegar helps in boosting the anti-inflammatory response.

• In a glass of water mix a teaspoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
• Drink it at least 2-3 times every day.

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda works effectively in controlling the production of uric acid in the body and provides relief from the pain.

• In a glass of water, mix a half tablespoon of baking soda
• Consume this solution maximum of 4 times everyday.
• Repeat the procedure for 2-3 weeks

3. Ginger Root

Ginger contains major anti-inflammatory properties, which can prove effective in eliminating pain as well as inflammation.

• In a cup of boiling water add some ginger root and mix it well.
• Consume this solution everyday
• You can even use ginger root in every dish while preparing meals.

What is Gout Diet?

The diet which should be followed by the individuals suffering from gout is known gout diet. This diet includes food items, which are low in carbohydrates. Consuming low carbohydrates foods helps in properly burning of fats by the body and proper releasing of ketones into the bloodstream.

These ketones are helpful in regulating the production of uric acid in the body.

How to Prevent Gout?

Following some of the major points given below can be helpful in the prevention of gout.

• Avoid alcohol consumption
• Consumption of balanced diet
• Limiting the intake of fish, poultry and meat in the diet
• Consuming more number of fluids, around 2-4 liters
• Maintaining a healthy body weight