Gout Facts That Counter Myths
Ambrose Hutson
Gout is one of those medical ailments shrouded in mystery and plagued by misconception. You may think that it's a disease brought about by over eating and excessive drinking. Gout has carried this stigma for many years, and those who suffer with it often feel too embarrassed to seek proper treatment.
Gout is a medical condition that is quite prevalent in modern day society; however, few realize that it is actually a form of arthritis. Gout is a disease that is trademarked by a high degree of pain that is centralized on one particular joint. More often than not, in about seventy-five percent of all cases, gout is present in the big toe. The condition causes intense pain, swelling, stiffness, and a warm feeling in the affected area.
What Causes Gout?
There is uncertainty as to the exact cause of gout, but scientists agree that the root of the problem may lie in the body's inability to metabolize a naturally occurring substance called purine. The human body naturally metabolizes purine into uric acid, but people with gout tend to have increased levels of uric acid production in their systems.
The inability to properly excrete uric acid from the body is another factor that may come into play in the development of gout. The actual problem caused by a gout condition is directly linked to the crystallization of uric acid within the body, accounting for the swelling and intense pain experienced by those with the disease.
The development of gout is still the center of much controversy. Many believe that gout is caused by ongoing or excessive use of alcohol, coupled with improper diet and inactivity. Those with a diet low in purine-neutralizing foods such as strawberries, cherries, and celery may be at a higher risk of gout development.
People at risk of developing gout should avoid foods that are high in purine such as alcohol, sardines, anchovies, scallops and diet soda. Each of these foods possesses high levels of purine and should be avoided when decreasing the risk of developing gout.
Treatments
When the agonizing pain of gout strikes, there are only a few options available. The pain can be so intense that even a light blanket draped over the feet brings about terrible suffering. Soaking in a warm bath can help to increase blood circulation in the affected area and help to reduce the swelling. This can also lead to a decreased amount of crystallization of the uric acids that cause the disease.
Placing an ice pack on the affected area is one common misconception that should be avoided. Some people believe that this can decrease the pain and swelling of gout, but it actually aggravates the problem. Lower temperatures only increase the crystallization of uric acids in the body.
When discussing gout with your doctor, he or she may suggest a number of treatments to ease your suffering. Indomethacin is a commonly prescribed drug, as are NSAIDS, or non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs. NSAIDs are used to decrease the inflammation of the affected area and provide some degree of pain relief.
Gout attacks will come and go, often flaring up without warning. Many doctors prescribe allopurinol, a drug that can help to reduce the body's production of uric acid and limit the amount of crystallization that may occur.
You should not be embarrassed about having gout, and you owe it to yourself to get fast relief. Consult your doctor if you think that you may have gout, and find out about possible treatment methods.
Freelancer Ambrose Hutson writes for numerous popular web sites, on http://web-healthy.com/ health discovery and most recently, http://web-healthy.com/articles/new/gout-facts.html gout facts themes.
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