Friday, November 2, 2012

Gout - The Symptoms and Treatment Explained

uric acid

Gout is commonly associated with being overweight and consuming too much red meat and red wine. A gout attack can develop should there be a build-up of the chemical called uric acid within your body. You obtain this acid through your diet but it is also manufactured during the natural turnover of your body cells. Typically, any excess acid is taken away in your urine however individuals with gout tend to retain higher than normal levels of uric acid.


In the vast majority of cases suffers symptoms tend to manifest themselves on a periodic basis with the affected joint starting to become red and swollen and very painful. The most common part of the body which is affected by gout is the largest toe although it is noted that any joint can be affected and the wrist and ankle are additional common locations.


The majority of treatment in regards to gout involves rest and relaxation whilst raising the affected limb. Prescribed anti-inflammatory medicine whilst drinking plenty of fluids can help to reduce the symptoms and that of a further attack. Eating smaller meals and avoiding snacking whilst cutting down on the amount of alcohol you consume and avoiding high purine foods should go a long way to help prevent further attacks of gout. If you are experiencing several recurrent attacks of this condition then you need to talk to your doctor or medical physician who can help provide the relevant medication to effectively treat the condition.


You are at a particularly greater risk of contracting gout if you have a family history of it. Being overweight overeating or starving yourself can also lead to an attack. Try to reduce the amount of red meat liver and offal you consume whilst reducing the amount of fatty fish and refraining from consuming alcohol, in particular red wine and beers will all help alleviate symptoms.

No comments:

Post a Comment