Gout is the correct spelling for this word, though when it affects the big toe it is known as ‘podagra’. Formerly known as ‘rich man’s disease’, gout occurs when the joint is arthritic and swollen, caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. Arthritis can be the result of severe gout, therefore, though internally gout can also be found in the kidneys.
After the uric acid crystallises, whether in the toe or an organ, it becomes deposited on the joint or organ, and such crystals can take months to accumulate. The majority of gout sufferers have a pain in the toe. A wide variety of prescribed steroids can treat gout, as can non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (but do check for side effects and whether you are allergic to any steroids).
A far easier way to avoid gout in the long run is to control one’s diet. Gout is enhanced by alcohol, sweet drinks, seafood and meat, whose constituent elements are converted into uric acid, although the presence of vegetables rich in purine has been disproven as a major cause. It is essential to monitor the blood level of uric acid regularly once uric-acid-lowering medications are used, as the uric acid metabolism can change over time.
Home remedies, which can alleviate the symptoms of acute gout, include resting and elevating the inflamed joint. Be careful not to apply an ice pack to the swelling, as this can make the inflammation worse by causing more uric acid to form crystals in the involved area. Patients should avoid aspirin-containing medications, when possible, because aspirin prevents kidney excretion of uric acid.
After the uric acid crystallises, whether in the toe or an organ, it becomes deposited on the joint or organ, and such crystals can take months to accumulate. The majority of gout sufferers have a pain in the toe. A wide variety of prescribed steroids can treat gout, as can non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (but do check for side effects and whether you are allergic to any steroids).
A far easier way to avoid gout in the long run is to control one’s diet. Gout is enhanced by alcohol, sweet drinks, seafood and meat, whose constituent elements are converted into uric acid, although the presence of vegetables rich in purine has been disproven as a major cause. It is essential to monitor the blood level of uric acid regularly once uric-acid-lowering medications are used, as the uric acid metabolism can change over time.
Home remedies, which can alleviate the symptoms of acute gout, include resting and elevating the inflamed joint. Be careful not to apply an ice pack to the swelling, as this can make the inflammation worse by causing more uric acid to form crystals in the involved area. Patients should avoid aspirin-containing medications, when possible, because aspirin prevents kidney excretion of uric acid.
