Gout
Definition
Gout is a disease that causes sudden swelling, redness, tenderness,
warmth and discomfort in the joint that is involved. It usually affects
one joint at a time.
Parts of the
body that may be involved
Often the large toe joint is involved but all joints can be affected.
Gout does not spread from joint to joint.
Who is affected
Adults both male and female. More often affects adults between the ages
of 40-50. Statistics report that men are more frequently affected than
women.
Signs and Symptoms
- Sudden onset of severe pain in a joint
- Joint is red, hot, swollen and tender
- Skin over the joint is red and shiny
- Sometimes fever.
Causes
High level of Uric Acid in the blood which deposits in the joint is
the cause. This could be due to increased production of uric acid or
decreased elimination of uric acid by the kidneys. Uric acid is usually
dissolved in the blood and passes through the kidneys into the urine.
Gout can be triggered by
- Drinking alcohol
- Surgery
- Eating too much of some foods such as: broths, gravies, liver, sardines and anchovies
- Crash diets
- Injury to a joint
For diagnosis and treatment, make appointment with your doctor.