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What is Gout?

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Many people around the world have heard of gout, but really don't know what it is. It is an illness that doctors have known about for a long time.

Gout is a condition that can cause great pain as a result of inflammation of the joints. Most commonly affected joints include hands and wrists, and ankles and feet. Very frequently the big toe is affected. This misunderstood condition was once thought of as a disease of the rich and those who ate too much.

Who Gets Gout?

Gout is caused when the body produces far too much uric acid. The typical swelling and pain that the disease is known for is a result of this build up of uric acid, causing crystals to form in the synovial joint. The general public, health care professionals and patients now understand that gout has nothing to do with gluttony. Thankfully the stigma is fading as people recognize just how painful this disease can be, and as people learn about the treatments, symptoms, and causes of gout.

How Do You Know if You Have Gout?

Many people who suffer with gout will tell you that the symptoms seemed to appear out of nowhere. This is one of the unfortunate trademarks of the disease. Symptoms can appear literally overnight. Patients report feelings of sudden pain, accompanied by swelling around the affected joint. The skin will turn a pinkish red, and appear to be shiny. Left untreated, these forms of "gout attack" can last for about a week. Another common symptom of gout is lumps that appear beneath the skin, especially around the heels, elbows and ears. The same uric acid crystals that cause pain and swelling in the joints will create these lumps, and may even create kidney stones.

The lucky may have a gout attack only once in their lives. Most, however, will continue to have attacks of gout over their lifetimes. It is important to seek treatment for gout, because, if left untreated, gout can cause permanent damage in the joints. Be sure to go to a doctor as each new attack of gout comes on.

To ensure proper diagnosis, it is important to go to your doctor. You will likely have a physical exam and some tests to identify that you have gout, as opposed to another type of arthritis. It can be difficult to distinguish just from the physical exam. It may be necessary for you to have a blood test to see how much uric acid is in your blood. It is also possible that your doctor will wish to test the fluid in your joints to determine the presence of uric acid crystals.

Treatment

Once it has been determined that you do, indeed, have gout, you can begin treatment immediately. Gout can now be managed quite successfully. This is great news for the millions of gout sufferers around the world. There are at least a half million people with gout in the United States alone. Medications, such as allopurinal, can be prescribed to reduce the production of uric acid by the body. Also, anti-inflammatory medications can be used to reduce swelling and pain. Ibuprofen is often successful. It is not a good idea to take aspirin if you suffer from gout. As with many types of arthritis, some of the symptoms of gout can be reduced through regular exercise and a healthy diet. This will likely be recommended by your doctor.

As with any medical condition, it's important to speak with your doctor if you think you have gout. He or she will give you a proper physical assessment to verify your diagnosis, and then suggest a treatment program for you.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Ernestine Clagge is a health writer for several growing web sites, on woman health and health and wellness matters.

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