Gout Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Gout occurs when the levels of uric acid go very high in the body. The excess uric acid forms crystals which accumulate between the joints, leading to severe pain in people. Uric acid levels in the body could rise for two main reasons; excess consumption of food that is high in purines or conditions which do not allow the body to eliminate uric acid in the urine effectively. Some of the common gout causing foods include meat and meat products, caffeine, alcohol and certain plant based foods like asparagus, spinach and mushrooms. Apart from a high-purine diet, some of the causes of gout flare up in men and women could include the aging process, obesity, lack of adequate physical activity and the use of certain medication, such as diuretics, immune-suppressants and certain anti-inflammatory drugs. In rare cases, the causes of gout attacks could include the presence of certain underlying conditions too. People who have suffered an injury in the past, or have been through surgery in the joints are also likely to suffer from gout. It has also been seen that patients who have undergone chemotherapy experience gout attacks more frequently than the others.

In most cases gout causes and cures are connected, especially if a purine-rich diet is the main factor that leads to the condition. In case of people who are facing this problem due to the use of medication, the doctor needs to be consulted, before any change in medication can take place. Overweight people may need to reduce weight, in order to reduce the frequency and intensity of these gout attacks. However, self-treatment can have an adverse effect on the body and therefore, it is absolutely essential to consult a doctor before making any dietary changes.

Gout Symptoms

Since there is no cure for gout, when people undergo gout treatment, they are actually treating gout symptoms. Fortunately, there is some way to reduce the painful and uncomfortable symptoms of this condition, if the right methods are adopted. Therefore, gout symptoms and treatment go hand in hand.

What Is Gout Symptoms?

One of the first uric acid gout symptoms experienced by most people is pain in the big toe. In some people, the pain could be intense enough to wake them up from deep sleep; others claim that they cannot even walk properly because of gout. There are several other symptoms too, which could be an indication of gout. Some of the mild gout symptoms that can be experienced by people include:

• Lingering discomfort in the joint that could last for days or even weeks after an attack
• Swelling in the joint that has been affected, which leads to tenderness, especially when touched 
• Redness in the affected joint

It is more likely for these symptoms to appear suddenly, without any warning, especially during the night, when the person is asleep. Though the symptoms mentioned above may seem like too much to handle, they are not really a major cause for concern. However, there are some uric acid gout symptoms, which are serious and should prompt the patients to seek immediate medical attention. These severe symptoms include fever, signs of inflammation or if the joint is hot to the touch. This shows that apart from gout, the patient is suffering from a joint infection too.

While there is a lot of information on gout symptoms and causes, as well as treatment options easily available through various resources, it is best to consult a doctor for more accurate and detailed information.

Gout Cure

Gout cure treatment usually includes the use of medicines, which can help reduce the frequency as well as the intensity of the attacks. Some of the common drugs that can be used for this purpose include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), colchicine and corticosteroids. Complications that are a result of gout can also be prevented with the help of certain medicines. However, there are a few side effects that have been associated with such medication, which is why it is more common for people to opt for a natural gout cure. The first step in the treatment of this condition is following a proper gout cure diet, limits a person’s consumption of:

• Anchovies
• Asparagus
• Beans
• Cods 
• Fish eggs
• Herring
• Lentils 
• Mackerel 
• Certainorgans of the meat (Heart, liver, tripet, kidney, gizzard, tongue and brain)
• Mushrooms
• Mussels 
• Peas 
• Red meats and game meats 
• Sardines 
• Scallops and Shrimp
• Spinach 
• Sweetbread 
• Yeast

At the same time, there are certain healthy gout cure foods, which reduce the levels of uric acid in the body. Some of the most highly recommended foods, which should be a part of a gout cure diet include:

• Cherries as also its juice (especially wild cherries or black cherries) 
• Rice
• Strawberries
• Cheese
• Cereals
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Vegetables in the raw form or steamed, (excluding corn and potatoes)
• Low fat dairy products, like skim milk, plain yogurt and cottage cheese

A few herbs can also be effective in the treatment of gout, which include celery seed, devil’s claw and alfalfa. A gout cure diet is incomplete without the consumption of a lot of water; patients are advised to drink more than 2 liters of water each day, so that the body can flush the excess uric acid out of the system.

Before using any home remedy gout cure, it is essential to consult a doctor and get an approval.