Gout is a recurring medical condition that causes swelling and pain in the joints. These symptoms often occur in the joint at the base of the big toe, although the disease can strike anywhere. Gout is caused by too much uric acid in the diet. The most effective cures are prescription medication and dietary modifications.
The accumulation of uric acid around the joints causes gout. This acid is produced naturally by the body and is usually broken down and eliminated. People with elevated levels of uric acid are particularly susceptible to this condition because the excess acid forms sharp urate crystals that can accumulate around the joints and cause pain. Eating foods such as organ meats and shellfish can create an excess of uric acid. This is why many cures for gout focus on dietary changes.
Some of the most effective cures for gout, however, are medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often prescribed to control the inflammation and alleviate the pain. Mild cases of gout can usually be treated successfully using over-the-counter NSAIDs. Other prescription cures for gout are colchicine and corticosteroids but these are a last resort as they often cause unpleasant side effects.
Not all cures for gout involve taking medication. Dietary changes can make a big difference in the frequency and severity of gout attacks. Reducing the intake of foods that raise uric acid such as liver, shrimp, and mussels is strongly recommended. Two foods that might actually help reduce gout are cherries and coffee. Lifestyle changes like avoiding alcohol and increasing exercise are often prescribed in conjunction with other cures for gout such as medication.
The main symptom of gout is an attack of sudden severe pain in the joints. About half of all cases of gout are confined to the joint at the base of the big toe although it can strike other joints like the knees, ankles and wrists. This pain can be quite intense for approximately a day before subsiding into a dull lingering pain. The pain from gout is often accompanied by a burning sensation. The affected joint also might appear swollen and red.
Gout can be confirmed by a test that checks levels of uric acid in the blood. Not everyone who has high uric acid will develop gout, but this test is used to confirm a diagnosis when other symptoms are present. A test of fluid collected from around the affected joint to look for urate crystals may also be performed. Patients should administer the cures for gout recommended by their doctor immediately because untreated gout can lead to prolonged pain and joint damage.
