|
Gout is not a condition that can be ignored by the sufferer/patient. There are many health matters that a person can cope with - but, with gout unfortunately it comes with pain and in some cases so severe that makes it hard to ignore and will need treating.
Gout is one of the most painful forms of arthritis. It occurs when too much uric acid builds up in the body. What happens after build up of uric acid? well it can lead to: Sharp uric acid crystal deposits in joints often in the big toe. Deposits of uric acid (called tophi) look like lumps under the skin. Not all lumps that form under the skin surface is a sign of gout. Build up of uric acid can also cause kidney stones from uric acid crystals in the kidneys. Some people would you believe have never heard of gout or know about treatment or what kind of suffering is involved if affected by gout.
Most often than not more people, experience their first attack of gout in the big toe. It is that uncomfortable it is known to waken or rouse a person from slumber (sleep) The affected area in the lower limb (big toe) becomes very sore, red, warm, and swollen which therefore can result in much pain and discomfort.
Gout can cause aside from those symptoms mentioned above stiffness in joints. Other parts of the body are not exempt from gout. Aside from the big toe are the fingers, heels wrists insteps elbows, ankles and knees. Looking from the list not much of the body is left to chance.
A regular question asked is What Causes Gout?
Well Gout is caused by the build-up of too much uric acid in the body. Uric acid comes from the breakdown of substances called purines. Purines are found in all of your body's tissues. They are also in many foods, such as dried beans, peas, liver, and anchovies. If you have any concerns over your health regardless of it being related to your big toe or not you must seek medical advice. Never take over the counter medication before speaking to your doctor first.
Normally, uric acid dissolves in the blood. It passes through the kidneys and out of the body in urine. Uric acid can build up in the blood when the human body increases the amount of uric acid it makes. Unfortunately body organ i.e. kidneys do not get rid of enough uric acid. Another cause known is when a person eats too many foods high in purines. Pick up a leaflet from your local clinic or hospital where you will get all the information you need.
Some pronunciation of words used in medical terms are hard to understand, so if you are in doubt after a diagnosis then ask the doctor to explain, the better understanding you have on your condition/ailment will help you cope better.
Hyperuricemia is when uric acid levels in the blood are high. Most people with hyperuricemia do not develop gout. But if excess uric acid crystals form in the body then a case of gout can develop.
Are some people more prone than others to suffer from gout? Yes, those prone signs are, if you are a man, overweight, have had an organ transplant, eat too many foods rich in purines or drink too much alcohol. More can be found on other factors involved in contacting gout from your physician.
| 
