Gouty Arthritis

Gout generally attacks older men and can come on suddenly, resulting in intense pain and swelling in a single joint of your foot, often at the base of the big toe. An excessive concentration of uric acid in your body can cause microscopic crystals to form in the fluids that lubricate the affected joint. A painful inflammation occurs as your body tried to rid itself of the crystals.

About one million people in the United States suffer from gouty arthritis. It is more common in men than women. In women, it usually attacks after menopause while in men it bothers after puberty, more severely at the age of 75.

Risk Factors:

Besides an inherited incapability to take care of uric acid other risk factors for gouty arthritis include:

• Obesity
• Excessive weight gain (especially in youth)
• Moderate to heavy alcohol intake
• High blood pressure
• Abnormal kidney function

There are some drugs which can contribute to gouty arthritis such as:

• Thiazide diuretics,
• Tuberculosis medications (pyrazinamide and ethambutol)
• Niacin
• Cyclosporine
• Low-dose aspirin, etc

If you are suffering or have suffered one of the following diseases, you are at a risk for gouty arthritis.

• Hemoglobin disorders
• Leukemia
• Lymphomas

Treatment:

Following are the treatment methods of gouty arthritis that are commonly suggested by doctors worldwide.

• Dietary changes can help reduce uric acid levels in the blood. It is purine chemicals that are converted into uric acid by our body. Therefore, purine rich foods are to be avoided. Shellfish and other sea foods in general and organ meats such as brains, kidneys, etc, are rich in purine. Dairy foods help to reduce the risk.

• Weight reduction is definitely going to save you from recurring gouty arthritis attacks.

• In terms of medications, pain relievers and anti inflammatory agents are prescribed by doctors.