Gout is a disease caused by the accumulation of microscopic uric acid crystals in the joints, which in turn, cause arthritis. Sometimes these crystals form bulky clusters (tophi) under the skin that can be felt or are deposited in the kidneys, being the cause of kidney stones or other alterations in the functioning of these organs. In fact, nearly 20 percent of patients with gout develop kidney stones. By sex, the drop is 4 times more common in men, especially among middle-aged men, but also manifests in women after menopause. Below is a list of gout symptoms and the gout home treatment associated with them.

Causes Increases in uric acid in the blood Obesity Hypertension Excessive food intake of uric acid precursors Alcohol abuse To a lesser extent, fatigue and emotional stress

The constant destruction and cell formation, as well as the intake of certain foods, produce a certain amount of uric acid in the blood because the body eliminates the excretory function of the kidneys. When this does not happen, the level of uric acid increases abnormally, resulting in crystals that deposit in the joints, leading to episodes of acute pain.

Symptoms

The attacks come on suddenly and are characterized by severe pain along with increasing swelling of the joint. Gout mainly affects the first metatarsophalangeal foot (the base of the big toe). During this process, the surrounding skin is red and the patient feels heat in the affected area, and a sharp and intense pain to the touch. Gout can also affect other joints of the foot, such as the instep or ankles, and, less frequently, knees, wrists, and even the ears since low temperatures help the crystallization of uric acid. The first attacks usually affect a single joint and are not too prolonged. However, if the patient does not undergo treatment the condition can spread to several joints and foster the development of tophi and kidney stones.

Treatments

The most urgent gout treatment are for the relief of pain, and medicines like ibuprofen, indomethacin or, more commonly, colchicine are used. It may be advisable to immobilize the joint as well. Thereafter, in the field of prevention, it is advisable to drink plenty of fluids (avoid alcohol), and a diet rich in grains, starches, and vegetables. A low, daily dose of colchicine can prevent the attacks or at least reduce their frequency.

For individuals with very high levels of blood uric acid, allopurinol (an inhibitor of uric acid production) may be the solution, although it can cause stomach upset and liver lesions. Visit curegoutpainnow. to learn more.