Symtoms
Have you been awakened at night by a hot, painful feeling in your
big toe or ankle?
Did the painful joint appear swollen and red (inflamed)? These
can be symptoms of a gout attack.
Deformity is also a possible symptom of gout, espcially is it's
left untreated. The kidneys are unfortunately a target of the
gout as well if the disease is left to become severe.
Men are more likely to have gout than women. But women can also
be affected, mostly after menopause.
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Possible Causes
Gout is caused by an excess of uric acid (a waste product made
by the body). The uric acid forms crystals that collect in the
joints, bringing on a gout attack. If you have many gout attacks,
crystals may form large deposits called tophi. Tophi can damage
joints and cause deformity.
Some health problems, such as obesity and high cholesterol, make
gout more likely and some medications, such as diuretics ("water
pills"), can trigger a gout attack. Certain foods can also
trigger a gout attack. These foods include alcohol (beer, red
wine) certain meats (red meat, processed meat, turkey) organ meats
(kidney, liver, sweetbread) shellfish (lobster, crab, shrimp,
scallop, mussel) certain fish (anchovies, sardine, herring, mackerel).
See arthritis.
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Treament
Your doctor will ask you questions
about where and how often you feel pain. He or she will also ask
about your diet, medications, and how much alcohol you drink.
Your doctor will examine your feet for signs of gout. Signs include
redness, heat, and swelling.
Tests and X-rays may be taken to check for tophi or changes in
your bones. If needed, your doctor may use a syringe to take some
fluid from your joint. This fluid will be analyzed for uric crystals.
Your doctor may also take a blood sample to look for uric acid.
Medications your doctor may prescribe are daily long-term control
medications to reduce levels of uric acid. This may help prevent
gout attacks. Other medications can help relieve pain and swelling
during an attack. Also, rest the painful joint as much as you
can. Raise the painful joint so it is at a level higher than your
heart.
It is also advisable to watch your diet; avoiding the foods that
cause uric acid in your system will prevent gout from getting
worse.
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