Gout Attack

Arthritis is an umbrella term for a number of diseases that are characterized by inflammation of a joint or joints. And gout, the main subject of our discussion here, is reputed to be a very complex and painful form of arthritis. Research reveals that around 800 out of 100,000 people tend to be affected by this medical condition. The disease has been found to be a rare occurrence in children and young adults, but not in people between the ages of 40 and 50. Also, men seem to be more vulnerable than women. Females become more susceptible to gout attack only post-menopause. To add to this, gout is also common in people who have undergone organ transplant surgery. Gout affects the joints, and more often the joint at the base of the big toe. An acute gout attack can give rise to a feeling as if the big toe is on fire.

Symptoms and Causes

Gout attacks more often than not occur at night when the affected person is asleep. These attacks occur with a sudden force, and without any warning. The signature symptom of this condition is a pain that is felt originating from the large joint of the big toe. This pain, however, can also affect other joints such as those of the feet, ankles, knees, hands and wrists. The affected part, which is commonly the big toe, becomes stiff, swollen, tender and hot to touch, and red. Even after the pain subsides, the patient might complain against a lingering discomfort that may last from a few days to a few weeks. The gout pain may stay for a few days or many weeks. Thereafter, the next attack may not take place for months or even years.

To understand the factors behind the onset of gout, you need to know more about uric acid. Purines are a natural part of the human body, and of many foods. So when these substances are broken down in the body, uric acid is produced. Under normal circumstances, this acid gets dissolved in the blood, and it passes through the kidneys and finally out of the body in urine. But due to certain factors, either the body produces too much of uric acid, or the kidneys may not be able to excrete the required amount of it. In some cases, both of these may occur in a combination. Thus, uric acid tends to build up in the body, and with time, this accumulation become so intense that it takes the form of sharp crystals which are needle-like. And these crystals usually accumulate in a joint or surrounding tissue thus, causing pain and inflammation. It should be known that these crystals are formed when the uric acid levels in the blood is way too high.

How to Treat A Gout Attack?

Fortunately, the symptoms of a gout attack can be relieved if treatment is initiated within 24 hours of an episode. Gout treatment mainly consists of the use of medications. The first group of these drugs are used to treat acute attacks, and help in reducing the risk of recurrences. And the second class is used to deal with the complications of the condition. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), colchicine, and corticosteroids come under the first group. The other class includes medication which are designed to block the uric acid production, and add to the kidneys' function to get rid of the uric acid.

Apart from using medication, you can also benefit from a few self-care measures. Drink 8-9 glasses of water a day, and plenty of fluids. This would help in flushing out the uric acid from the system. Alcohol should be completely avoided, and purine-rich food sources, such as meat, fish, and poultry are best when avoided, or at least limited to 4-6 oz.

On a closing note, most people with gout have benefited from cherries. Being rich in vitamin C, these fruits help in eliminating the uric acid deposits thus, reducing the painful symptoms. Eating about 10-15 cherries, or consuming a glass of cherry juice everyday, is known to provide a great deal of help in the treatment.