Gout

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.

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.

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.