Gout

What is it ?

Gout occurs when urate crystals accumulate in your joint, causing the inflammation and intense pain of a gout attack. Urate crystals can form when you have high levels of uric acid in your blood. Your body produces uric acid when it breaks down purines — substances that are found naturally in your body.

Causes

• Excessive uric acid

• Hereditary

• Lifestyle factors: drinking alcohol (especially beer) or beverages sweetened with fruit sugar (fructose), dehydration, eating certain foods that are rich in purines e.g. red meats, shellfish

• Medical conditions: such as untreated high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and heart and kidney diseases.

• Age and gender: Normally affects males aged 40 to 50 years

Signs and Symptoms

• An attack of gout can occur suddenly, often waking you up in the middle of the night

• Normally affects the big toe joint

• The affected joint becomes very red, swollen, painful and tender to touch.

Treatment

• Medications to treat gout pain and inflammation: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), colchicine, corticosteroids

• Medications to prevent future gout attacks

• Appropriate footwear with appropriate width and cushioning, to protect joints and offload high pressure areas in the feet.