Gout used to be something associated with the rich, but now that many of us have greater access to different foods, it has become much more ubiquitous. So what is gout? Does it just happen when you eat too much?
First and foremost, gout is a form of arthritis—and one of the most painful forms at that. It occurs when a substance known as uric acid builds up inside your body. Uric acid is a normal byproduct of your body breaking down certain kinds of DNA components known as purines. Because purines are a component of DNA, they reside in all of your body’s tissues and in most foods you eat, but are especially prevalent in foods like liver, dried beans and peas, and anchovies.
Under normal circumstances, uric acid just dissolves into the blood, and later is filtered by your kidneys to leave your body in urine. But if uric acid builds up too much in the blood, it can form crystals that gather in the joints. After the crystals form, gout doesn’t stay forever—it tends to have flare-ups known as attacks.
But how does uric acid build up in the blood?
There are generally three ways: First, your body starts producing more of it on its own; second, your kidneys lose some of their ability to filter it normally; and third, when you eat too many foods high in purines.
A high level of uric acid does not always lead to gout, but if the crystals begin to form, the big toes are usually affected first. The gout attack is painful and sudden enough that people are awoken from sleep—and the weight of even a sheet on the toe can feel excruciating once this happens.
From there, it can spread to other areas—the insteps, ankles, heels, knees, wrists, fingers, and elbows. These regions can become painful, swollen, red, hot to the touch, and stiff. Attacks tend to get better in three to ten days, and can be spread apart by years—but stress, alcohol, drugs, and other illnesses can trigger them again.
Happily, there are simple treatments for gout. For prevention, monitoring diet, alcohol intake, and a healthy weight can help prevent attacks. (Be careful not to lose weight very quickly, however—that can trigger an attack.) While experiencing a flare-up, NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) are given to help manage pain, while corticosteroids (like prednisone) help manage swelling and pain as well. Further, the medication colchicine is specifically indicated for usage in gout, and is used to both help with an attack and to prevent future ones. So if you are concerned about your health, please consult a doctor.
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Feature Image: Thinkstock
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