Gout is a form of arthritis that causes sudden, severe episodes of pain, swelling, and redness in joints. It most commonly affects the big toe, but can also affect the ankle, knee, elbow, or wrist.
While gout can affect anyone, it is more common in men and people over the age of 40. It is also more common in people who are overweight, have high blood pressure, or have a family history of the condition.
There are a number of things that can trigger a gout attack, including alcohol, certain foods (such as shellfish, organ meats, and fatty foods), and changes in uric acid levels (which can be caused by medications or medical conditions such as kidney disease).
The best way to prevent gout attacks is to avoid things that trigger them. If you have gout, you should also try to maintain a healthy weight, drink plenty of fluids, and limit your intake of alcohol and purine-rich foods.
If you do have a gout attack, there are a number of treatments that can help relieve the pain and swelling. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and colchicine.
Gout can be a painful and debilitating condition, but it is important to remember that it is treatable. If you think you may have gout, talk to your doctor about the best way to manage it.
In our modern world, gout is often seen as a disease of kings – an old fashioned affliction that only affects the wealthy. But the reality is that gout is becoming more and more common, affecting 1 in 20 Australians.
So what exactly is gout? Put simply, it’s a type of arthritis that causes extreme pain, swelling and inflammation in the joints. It most commonly affects the big toe, but can also affect the knees, ankles, elbows and hands.
The reality is that gout is becoming more and more common, affecting 1 in 20 Australians.
Gout can be extremely painful and debilitating, making it hard to walk, work or even sleep. The good news is that it is treatable, and there are steps you can take to manage the pain and prevent flare-ups.
If you think you might have gout, the first step is to see your doctor. They will be able to confirm the diagnosis and rule out any other conditions.
Once you have a diagnosis, there are a few things you can do to manage the condition. Medications can be prescribed to help reduce the pain and inflammation, and lifestyle changes can make a big difference.
Cutting back on alcohol and losing weight if you are overweight are two of the most important things you can do. Eating a healthy diet and avoiding foods that are high in purines (such as red meat, seafood and certain vegetables) can also help.
If you have gout, it’s important to see your doctor so you can get the right treatment and start taking steps to manage the condition. With the right care, you can minimize the pain and flares and live a full and active life.
