Gout, Red Hot Swollen Big Toe Joint
If you have heard of gout, but are not really sure what it is, don’t worry – you are not alone!
It is a form of arthritis that occurs from a build up of uric acid crystals in a person’s joints.
What is gout? It is an acute reoccurring inflammatory arthritis that is triggered by by increased uric acid levels in the blood.
What joints are affected by Gout?
While it is most commonly seen in the one or both big toes, it can also affect a person’s ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, hands, and fingers. Gout attacks often come on at night as the body cools, especially in the extremities. the thermal image shows cooling at the big toe joint, as the temperature decreases, the ability of the blood to keep the uric acid in solution decreases . This causes crystals to fall out of solution and damage the joint.
What are the risk factors of Gout? It often runs in the family. Mainly affecting men, women can get it too. Currently it affects 1-2 % of the population. Poor diet, dehydration also can bring on an attack.
What are ways to prevent Gout?
There are many foods that cause flares. By avoiding alcohol, caffeine, fried foods, soda, sauces and gravies, fruit juices, beef, organ meats, pork, and lamb, shellfish, salmon, tuna, and trout acute exacerbationa can be minimized. Instead add cherries, leafy greens and unsweetened black cherry juice to decrease uric acid levels. Also stay hydrated.
What are ways to treat Gout?
Besides following the above dietary guidelines, Ibuprofen or other NSAIDS can help in mild, early cases. As attacks become more frequent or intense, Colchicine or indomethacin are often prescription drugs of choice. Long term chronic gout sufferers with may get a prescription of Allopurinol or Uloric to maintain the uric acid levels in their blood.
Can home remedies treat Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis that results from the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to inflammation and severe pain. While there is no cure for gout, there are several home remedies that can help manage its symptoms.
One of the most effective home remedies for gout is drinking plenty of water to help flush out excess uric acid from the body. Additionally, following a healthy diet low in purine-rich foods, such as organ meats, red meat, seafood, and alcohol, can help reduce the risk of gout flare-ups.
Another natural remedy for gout is the use of herbs and spices. For example, turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce gout-related inflammation. Additionally, cherry juice has been found to reduce gout symptoms, as it contains compounds that help reduce inflammation and uric acid levels.
When To See A Physician
You should see a doctor if you are experiencing the severe pain, swollen, redness, and heat that typically signal the presence of gout. Anyone dealing with chills or a high fever can also say that.
A gout flare is the recurrence of gout in someone who has already had it; it can happen to anyone. That might not happen for quite some time. However, it is wise to call a doctor whenever a return occurs, whether it happens months or years after the first onset of gout.
What Will Doctor Do?
Gout cannot be cured, but it is a disorder that can be effectively treated and managed. To be sure that your problem is not an illness that is similar to gout but distinct from it, your doctor will need to monitor your symptoms and perform tests. A blood test might readily be used to find out how much uric acid is in your blood.
How is Gout diagnosed? It is diagnosed by a blood test for uric acid. if the levels get too high then the excess can crystalize out of solution (blood) and get stuck in the small capillaries in smaller joints causing the extreme inflammation we know as a gout attack. These crystals are needle shaped and stab the joint from the inside out causing severe , intense pain.
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