Gout is an arthritic condition that occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints.

Gout usually affects the large joint of the big toe, but can also affect other joints, such as the knee, ankle, foot, hand, wrist and elbow.

Gout does not spread from joint to joint.

Uric acid, which is found naturally in the blood stream, is formed when the body breaks down waste products (called purines).

Normally the kidneys filter uric acid out of the blood and excrete it in the urine. But when uric acid level in the blood is too high, kidneys cannot filter it out.

Uric acid crystals are formed which get deposited in the joints causing sudden and severe pain, swelling, redness, tenderness and warmth.

In about 90 percent of cases, gout is prevalent in men older than 40 and in menopausal women. Although the exact cause is unknown, gout may be caused by:

Genetic defect in metabolism, which causes overproduction and retention of uric acid

Impairment of kidney function that prevents normal elimination of uric acid

Certain drugs used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure

Some diseases of blood cells, cancers and psoriasis.

Environmental factors such as obesity or alcohol abuse.

An episode of gout can be triggered by:

• Drinking too much alcohol
• Eating too much of wrong foods
• Surgery
• Sudden, severe illness
• Crash diets
• Injury to a joint
• Chemotherapy

In the initial stage of the disease, uric acid levels rise in the blood, but the patient has no symptoms.

Acute Stage: This stage lasts for about 5 to 10 days.

• Sudden attack of pain and swelling of the joint.
• Joint looks red, feels hot and is tender on touching

There are symptom free periods between two acute episodes of gout, lasting for about 6 months to 2 years. However some patients may remain symptom free for 5 to 10 years.

Chronic stage:

• Long term pain and swelling of joint.
• Stiffness of the affected joint
• Movements of the affected joint are restricted.
• Deposits of uric acid (called tophi) that look like lumps under the skin

he diagnosis of gout is based on symptoms.

Blood tests show high levels of uric acid.

Urate crystals are found in the analysis of a fluid collected from the affected joint.

In chronic cases, the X-ray of the joint shows damage to the cartilage and bones.

Proper diet, healthy life style and medication can help relieve symptoms and prevent further attacks.

Proper diet

Avoid or restrict foods high in purine (a substance that produces uric acid). In general, meat or seafood consumption increases the risk of gout attacks, while dairy food and vitamin C consumption seemed to reduce the risk.

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Healthy lifestyle
• Reduce alcohol consumption

Reduce weight if obese. It is best accomplished by reducing dietary fat and calorie intake, combined with a regular aerobic exercise.

Medications

The doctor may prescribe pain relieving, anti inflammatory drugs to relieve the pain and swelling of an acute attack,To prevent future attacks, the doctor may recommend certain drugs for gout as per the patient’s condition.

All medications must be taken only under medical supervision.

Regular exercise to avoid being overweight

Avoid a purine-rich diet and reduce alcohol consumption