Gout Symptoms And Gout Relief

Gout is a major affliction that affects many people on the wrong side of forty. It is characterized by inflammation of the joints and severe pain. The main reason for the occurrence of gout is the increase of uric acid in the blood. The uric acid then forms crystals and deposits in the joints, tendons and the surrounding tissues. This accumulation around the joints results in a red and tender inflammation. In extreme cases, people suffering from gout lose their ability to move. This can be seen especially in the elderly people, who are most affected. If you are suffering from gout, read the article below to know the symptoms of gout and how to get relief from it.

Signs And Symptoms Of Gout

Symptoms Of Gout

Gout occurs in four stages:

Asymptomatic Stage

There is a rise in the uric level in the blood.
In this stage, the gout does not show any symptoms.

Acute Stage

Sudden pain in the joints.
Swelling of the joints.
The joints become tender and look red and bruised.
In this stage, the symptoms last for 5 to 10 days

Intercritical Stage

This stage is characterized by intervals, which are symptom free.
The symptom free stage can last from five to ten years but in some cases, it can reoccur within six months.

Chronic Stage

The chronic stage is characterized by large urate deposits in the cartilage and soft tissues. As a result, the pain in the joints is persistent.
The skin over the uric acid deposits develop sores and release white pus.
The joint becomes stiff and its movement is also affected.

Signs Of Gout

Initially only one or two joints are affected.
The joint fluid contains uric acid crystals.
The level of uric acid in the blood is abnormally high.
The uric acid crystals get deposited in other areas of the body like the ears.
The body parts that are most commonly affected are feet, ankles and the toe thumb. The joints that are affected also become tender and pain when touched.
The movement is also hampered.
Development of fever and chills.

Conditions That Cause Gout Attack

Dehydration.
Joint injury.
Fever
Eating foods that increase the uric acid levels.
Increase in alcohol intake.
Stress.

Gout Relief

There is no permanent cure for gout. The treatments available can only bring relief.

Medications like acetaminophen are good in reducing the pain but any aspirin based medication should be avoided. Aspirin hampers the kidneys from eliminating the uric acid.
As an alternative to anti-inflammatory painkillers, Colchicine can be taken to provide relief against gout attacks.
Steroid is another medication that can be taken to reduce the pain and inflammation.
When the gout attacks start then, as early as possible, Alchicine and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be taken in adequate dose to control gout. However, care must be taken as NSAIDs have several side effects. All the above mentioned medications must be taken under medical advice.
Keeping the affected joint at an elevated position and taking rest also provides relief from the pain.
Putting an icepack over the inflammation also provides relief.
The intake of fluids must be increased.
Foods like sardines, anchovies, tripe, sweetbreads, shellfish, scallops, peas, lentils, beans and too much of red meat must be avoided as these type of foods are rich purine, which produces uric acid when broken down.
At least twelve ounces of water and juice must be taken daily.
Alcohol consumption must be reduced and even the weight must be brought under control.

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