Home | Disease & Illness | Skin Cancer
Gout is one of medicine's oldest documented conditions and was, until recently, one of the least understood. 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? When the body produces too much uric acid, and this acid forms crystals that build up in the joints, gout is the result. The painful inflammation of the joints is the result of this accumulation of uric acid crystals. The negative image of gout being associated with over indulgence has definitely dissipated. The medical community and the general public are far more knowledgeable that they were and have come to realize that gout is a painful, yet treatable, medical condition. 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. It can be difficult to diagnose gout as the symptoms are very similar to those of other types of arthritis. Before your doctor determines how to treat your condition, he or she will have to make a positive diagnosis. To determine if there are uric acid crystals in your irritated joints, the doctor may take a sample of your joint fluids. In addition, you may be required to have a blood test to measure uric acid levels in your blood. Also, you will likely have a complete physical examination. How is Gout Treated? Current treatments for gout have been very successful. This is good news for the half million people in the United States who deal with gout on a regular basis. It is likely that the doctor will prescribe medication. Allopurinol helps to control the levels of uric acid created by the body. In addition, colchicines reduce the symptomatic inflammation and pain. Anti-inflammatory drugs are also often prescribed. Ibuprofen is an example. Aspirin, however, is not recommended. Most doctors will also suggest a healthy diet and regular exercise to reduce the symptoms of gout. If you suspect that you have gout, it is important that you speak with your doctor to be properly diagnosed. You can begin proper, healthful treatment as soon as you have been properly diagnosed. There is no point in waiting. See your doctor as soon as you can.
Article Source: http://www.live-article.com
Ernestine Clagge loves writing for a variety of today's best web magazines, on personal health care and health question matters. You can get a unique content version of this article.
Please Rate this Article
5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5
Not yet Rated
