Gout–the facts
December 1, 2008
The most painful of all types of arthritis is gout (also called gouty arthritis). It is caused by a build up of crystals of uric acid around the joints. It is associated with redness, heat, swelling and stiff joints. It is important to know that gout can easily be diagnosed through the identification of the crystals. The joint fluid is examined under a microscope to see whether there is monosodium urate crystals deposited around the joint.
Uric acid deposits, also called Tophi can also be seen under the skin. Uric acid levels in the blood may be low during the initial stages of gout attack. Uric acid is formed when purines breakdown. The big toe is the part generally attacked by gout; but the ankles, knees, heels and wrists can also be affected.
Causes of gout
There are certain medications that can cause gouty arthritis. They are medicines, such as cyclosporine given to recipients of transplants, which affect kidney function. Low doses of aspirin can also raise levels of uric acid. Drugs given to lower urate levels may also trigger gout due to sharp falls in uric acid levels.
Alcohol, high blood fat levels, obesity, diabetes and hypertension also lead to gout. Injury to the joints, surgical stress, fasting and dehydration, acute illness, fad diets, exposure to lead and cold temperatures may trigger gouty arthritis.
Treating gout
To treat gouty arthritis successfully, the inflammation and pain must be relieved. It is necessary to prevent acute attacks and certain renal diseases like kidney stones should be prevented. It is again necessary to rest the affected joints. The prescribed medicines should be taken. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Who is at risk?
It has been proven in research that people suffering from gout have a higher risk of heart attack. It has also been found in one of the latest researches that those who consume large amounts of soft drinks have higher risks of getting gouty arthritis. Those who consume a lot of coffee are also at higher risk. The risk is higher in men as compared to women.
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