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Gout is an intensely painful and inflammatory form of arthritis in which uric acid crystals form around body joints. Gout usually effects the elbow, ankle, knee, hand, feet and shoulder joints. The joint at the base of the big toe is the most common site for gout pain. Symptoms can included skin tenderness, swelling, severe pain and fever.
Although gout occurs much more frequently in men than in women, there are women sufferers. It is believed that women suffer from gout less often because estrogen prevents uric acid accumulation in the bloodstream. After menopause, when the level of estrogen decreases in women, the risk factor for gout increases.
Gout is caused when the body produces more uric acid than it excretes. The amount of excess uric acid in the blood then crystalizes and the crystals adhere to joints, causing inflammation. Some medications can cause or aggravate this condition. These include some antibiotics, diuretics, cyclosporine, levodopa and aspirin. Long-term complications of gout can include deformity of joints and kidney stones.
Self treatment for gout should begin with fluid intake. At least six to ten glasses of water should be consumed daily to help dilute the uric acid and flush it from the system through urine. Alcoholic drinks are to be avoided since they promote high uric acid levels in the blood. Also to be avoided are foods which break down into uric acid such as sardines, shrimp, anchovies, mushrooms and dried beans. Cherries and strawberries are believed to be helpful in relieving gout symptoms. Filter drinking water to reduce exposure to possible lead contaminants. Maintaining a healthy blood pressure level and weight can reduce the risk of gout since those with high blood pressure are at a higher risk.
When experiencing an attack, applying hot or cold compresses to the joint area may relieve some of the pain and swelling. Aspirin products also relieve pain effectively but can have harmful effects on the stomach lining and should be used infrequently. Complete rest is recommended when an attack strikes since no pressure should be placed on the painful, sore joints. Doctors may prescribe medicines to reduce the production of uric acid or to aid in its excretion.
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