Gout or gouty arthritis is a complex and common form of arthritis. 'Arthritis' means joint inflammation. Extra uric acid in your body forms sharp crystals in the big toe or other joints, causing episodes of pain and swelling called gout attacks. Research says that gout generally occurs earlier in men than women. In women, it usually occurs after menopause.
Obesity, diabetes, congestive heart failure, hypertension, kidney disease, or family history of gout are some risk factors of it.
'Chronic tophaceous gout' is a dangerous type of gout and may result in permanent damage to the joints as well as kidneys. These are the 4 stages of gout progression
Stage 1: High uric acid levels in the body.
Stage 2: Acute gout.
Stage 3: Intercritical gout.
Stage 4: Chronic gout.
People may get confused between gout and pseudogout, the main difference between them is gout is caused by sodium rate crystals and pseudogout is caused by calcium pyrophosphate crystals.
Following are the symptoms of gout
Intense joint pain is usually in the knees, ankles, elbows, fingers, and wrists.
The affected joint or joints become inflamed.
Redness.
Limited range of motion of your joints.
The pain is likely to be most severe within the first 3-11 hours after it begins.
When to see a doctor
If you have a fever and a joint is inflamed and hot, seek immediate medical help, because it can be a sign of an infection.
Have a look at these preventive measures
Drink lots of water
If you have sleep apnea, treat it.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Avoid medications that trigger gout, coordinate with your doctor.
Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks.
Quit smoking.
Exercise regularly, not necessary to join a gym, you can do any exercise that suits you.
Eat dark berries, green vegetables, brown rice, and whole-grain bread.
Eat more low-purine foods.
Avoid drugs that raise uric acid levels in your body.
Have vitamin C supplements.
Manage your stress.
Manage your gout with the help of the following tips
Try to elevate your affected joint.
Use an ice pack to keep your joint cool.
Stay hydrated.
You can manage an acute attack with anti-inflammatory medications, they can help to relieve pain.
Chronic gout patients should seek serious medical care.
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