Gout is also known as hyperuricemia one of the most common causes of chronic inflammatory arthritis in the United States. In which uric acid crystals get deposited in the joints.
Sudden attack of severe pain, swelling, redness and tenderness are most commonly noted symptoms in the gout.
However, despite being arthritic condition gout is one of the well managed disease.
Triggers of gout
People having gout must note the triggers and possible causative activities to minimize the possible attacks of gout.
Following is the list of possible triggers of gout:
Alcohol – It is considered as one of the most common triggers of gout attack. You should limit the consumption of alcohol if you are having gout.
Medication – Certain medications are said to increase the uric acid levels and increases the chances of having gout attack.
Meat & Seafood – These non-vegetarian foods are high in Purines, Which are the chemical agents that increases the level of uric acid.
Fasting or Low Caloric Diet – According to research fasting increases the consumption of stored amino acids and protein and that’s why it can trigger the uric acid production.
Certain Food – Certain foods like fast foods and other unhygienic food can also trigger the uric acids.
Symptoms of gout
In most of the cases, symptoms may not occur and severe pain attack is considered as major symptoms.
- Intense pain and swelling around the joint.
- Heat in the affected joint.
- Pinning in the toes.
- Redness in the joint.
- Stiffness in joints and muscles.
Treatment of gout
The treatment plans can include symptomatic management as well as disease modifying agents. Currently there are two approaches used in treatment.
One is by lowering the pain & inflammation and other is by reducing the level of uric acid.
Drugs used to relieve pain are:
Analgesic/Painkiller – Paracetamol, Tramadol, Ibuprofen, Naproxen
Corticosteroids like Oxycodone, Hydrocodone
Drugs used to decrease the level of uric acid:
- Allopurinol,
- Colchicine,
- Probencid
- Indomethacin
Diabetes and Gout Link
People with diabetes are more likely to develop gout as it increases the chances of uric acid.
According to this study, high levels of uric acid are closely related to diabetes and its chronic complications.
Gout diagnosis
Your doctor may examine your history and following examination.
- Joint situation.
- How often and where do you feel pain every time.
- Examine redness and cause of joint.
- Joint fluid sampling.
