Gout

What is Gout?

Gout is a common form of arthritis that causes swelling of the joints due to high levels of uric acid in the body. The kidneys filter uric acid and excrete it from the body through urine. Crystals form in the joints when excessive levels of uric acid build-up, causing swelling and excruciating pain. The pain can last for several days to a few weeks and this condition damages the tendon, joints, and other tissues.

Gout can flare up without specific cause, but there are ways to manage symptoms and prevent flares. It is brought on by large amounts of uric acid from certain medications and purines from a variety of food like beans and red meat. It can also be caused by specific medical conditions like high blood pressure.

What are the symptoms of Gout?

Signs and symptoms of Gout typically occur at night and almost always occur suddenly. Symptoms include:

Difficulty of movement in the affected area
Inflammation and redness of the joint
Painful sensation that worsens over time
Swelling, redness, and tenderness in the affected area
Tenderness and soreness of the joint

What causes Gout?

Gout happens due to a buildup of excessive uric acid in your body. Your body produces uric acid naturally when it breaks down chemicals in certain foods and drinks. The uric acid will be naturally filtered out of your blood by your kidneys and leaves your body when you pee.

Sometimes, your body may produce too much uric acid, or your kidneys are unable to sufficiently filter it from your blood, leading to high levels of uric acid in your body. When that happens, uric acid crystals can build up and settle into your joints. These sharp crystals clump together and causes sudden episodes of pain, swelling and other symptoms.

What are the risk factors of Gout?

You are more likely to develop Gout if you have high levels of uric acid in your body. Factors that may increase the level of uric acid in your body include:

Diet: A diet high in rich meat, shellfish and fructose increases your level of uric acid. Alcohol consumption may also increase the risk of Gout.
Being overweight: Your body produces more uric acid when you are overweight.
Medical Condition: Certain conditions may increase your risk of Gout. These include high blood pressure and chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity.
Family history of Gout: You are more likely to develop the disease if other members of your family have had Gout.
Age & Sex: Gout occurs more commonly in men aged between 30 to 50 and in females, after menopause.

How do you prevent Gout?

The best way to prevent gout is to limit how often you consume food and drinks high in purine, such as organ meats, alcohol and certain seafoods. Getting regular exercise can help reduce stress on your joints and reduce your risk of developing chronic conditions that may increase your chances of developing gout.