What Is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis. The pain can be very severe and debilitating. A gout attack can occur suddenly and often over time. There are about five million people in the U.S. that suffer from this painful condition. More men than women are afflicted with gout. Gout affects more people who are overweight.
It is important that gout is treated as soon as possible, because if left untreated, it can cause damage to your joints, tendons and other body tissues.
Gout Symptoms
Gout symptoms include painful burning sensations, swelling, inflammation, redness and stiffness usually in the joints and tendons of the foot. The most common joint affected is the joint of the big toe but it can affect other areas like the knee or ankle joints. The pain often occurs at night and can last for just a few days or for months.
The main cause of gout pain is the build up of excess uric acid in the blood. This excess uric acid turns into a hard and sharp crystallized form. These uric acid crystals can then get deposited into the joints, tendons and other body tissues. For some people, gout may be a hereditary metabolic disorder.
Usually a blood test is needed to determine the uric acid levels in the patient’s blood. Fluid may also be taken directly from the afflicted joint and analyzing it for urate crystals amounts.
A gout attack can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications. A new prescription drug for the treatment of gout, Febuxostat, was approved on February 16, 2009 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Allopurinol is another drug used to treat gout pain. Both these drugs help reduce the uric acid levels in the blood. Cortisone shots are also used to treat acute attacks, but are not be recommended for long term use.
For an accurate diagnosis of gout, it is recommended that you consult with your physician.