About Gout

Gout is an inflammation of the joints that affects millions of Americans each year. People with gout usually have intense pain and swelling in the joints. The problem with gout is that even though new natural treatments have made it possible to effectively treat it, many people don’t take any action until it’s too late. Left untreated, Gout can lead to worsening of pain due to excess uric acid build-up in joints. These attacks can subside after a few days but with time can further cause severe arthritis, permanent joint damage, kidney disease, and even death.

Gout in more detail

The main symptom of Gout is severe pain, more often in the hand, foot, or base of the big toe, but sometimes in the knee or elbow. Within a few hours, the affected joint can swell, get tender, and the pain so great, that the slightest touch is unbearable. The skin around the joint can also get inflamed and a fever is common. Also, lump formations, called tophi, can occur under the skin around the affected area. Gout most often affect males after puberty but women get it usually only after menopause. Women therefore are less likely to be affected then men.

Gout is characterized by high levels of uric acid. When the body produces too much uric acid for the kidney to excrete it, the blood becomes super saturated and needle-like crystals of salts form. When these crystals are caught and form within joints, it can cause severe pain and inflammation. Some environmental conditions can contribute to gout such as over use of alcohol, consumption of purine foods and stress.