Sunday, January 29, 2012

Natural Gout Relief

By Tyler Lopilato


Gout is a medical condition that includes painfully swollen joints. It's typically a kind of arthritis and sometimes called gouty arthritis. It affects any joint in the body, but the big toes are the common targets of gout and its attacks are immediate and rather painful. You'll also get swelling and inflammation in the affected area.

Gout is the result of urate crystals that come from uric acid that is a by-product of purine breakdown in the body. Uric acid is a type of bodily waste that is eliminated by the kidneys. If not correctly disposed, the uric acid can accumulate and get to high levels especially as the kidneys struggle to eliminate excess uric acid.

Both genders could endure gout, but at 40 years and above, men have more risk. Women can commonly develop it following menopause. Since it is also genetic in nature, if it is a typical condition in the family, then it is possible that you can get it.

Some factors that can make you more prone gout are a high meat/high alcohol diet, or a medical condition such as diabetes. Eating foods with high levels of purines, like shellfish, caviar, sardines, and anchovies, can make you susceptible to gout.

Symptoms vary between individuals; therefore, if you have gout, you should consult your doctor. The condition is a signal that you are awash in uric acid. High uric acid content in the body can create urate crystals, which develop into kidney stones.

Redness, inflammation and stiffness of the joints are all gout symptoms. Many people experience the first gout attack in the big toe, but other joints could also be affected like the ankles, wrists, fingers or elbows. The pain can be so intense that even the pressure of a bed sheet can be too much. Meanwhile, a considerable number of gout cases get better after several days, despite not being treated, and do not reappear for months or even years.

If you have symptoms of gout you should first see a doctor. You and your doctor can discuss natural and medical remedies. If you already have gout, take better care of your joints, and study the treatment methods.

NSAIDS like naproxen, ibuprofen and indomethacin or anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs are most commonly prescribed for treating gout. However, aspirin is not used because it could increase uric acid retention. But these medications are not very effective and have undesirable side effects like stomach pain, bleeding and ulcers.

If the gout is chronic, Corticosteroids are often prescribed. Allopurinol, probenecid, and colchicine get used to help ease gout and lower the chance of having a recurrence.

There are many herbs and over the counter pain medications that help minimize the pain caused by gout.




About the Author:



No comments: