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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. Once considered a disease of the rich and gluttonous, gout is now known to be a form of arthritis that can cause severe inflammation of the joints. This swelling is often accompanied by sharp pain. Gout usually causes inflammation in the feet, ankles, wrists and hands, with the big toe most often affected. Causes 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. Symptoms and Diagnosis 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. Before a treatment plan can be outlined, your doctor will ensure a positive diagnosis for gout. Since the condition can resemble other forms of arthritis, it is not always an easy diagnosis to make. A complete physical examination and diagnostic tests are required for positive results. You doctor may take a sample of your joint fluids to measure the presence of uric acid crystals. Similarly, blood samples may be taken to measure the uric acid levels. How is Gout Treated? Over half a million people in the United States suffer from gout. Fortunately, there are many different treatment options available to bring relief to these patients. Treatment of gout has a very strong success rate. The first step is usually for the doctor to prescribe medication, like allopurinol, to control the amount of uric acid produced by the body. Your doctor may also prescribe colchicines to help relieve the pain and inflammation caused by gout. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, are commonly given, however Aspirin is not a recommended treatment. Proper diet and exercise are also important factors in treating gout. Rest assured that you can relieve your symptoms of gout through proper diagnosis and successful treatment. Don't delay! If you think you may have gout, see your doctor right away.
Article Source: http://www.ezine-directory.info
Freelancer Ernestine Clagge is a columnist for a variety of popular Internet sites, on healthy diet and fitness training topics.
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