Hyperuricemia and elevated uric acid, commonly known as Gout is a condition that affects the big toe joint. It is caused by increased levels of uric acid in the blood that crystallise and settle in various joints of the body, usually in the big toe.
Causes:
Gout is widely thought to be hereditary, and is commonly associated with males more than females. In previous times Gout was associated with the aristocracy and too much of the "good life". This was probably quite accurate as gout has now been found to be related to increased levels of purine in the diet, found in such rich foods as red meat, lobster, shell fish and red wine. It is more common in men between the ages of 40 and 50.
Signs and symptoms:
Gout usually develops in the joint of the first toe (i.e. the big toe, or hallux). Common symptoms include the following:
- Inflammation.
- Pain.
- Redness.
- Stiffness.
- Swelling.
Touching or moving the toe may be intensely painful and patients often say that having as much as a bed sheet over the toe increases the pain. Symptoms of gout develop quickly (sometimes in 1 day) and typically occur in only one joint at a time. Rarely, symptoms develop in two or three joints simultaneously. If widespread symptoms occur, the condition is probably not gout. If left untreated, gout can damage joints and cause disability.
Prevention & Treatment:
- If prone to Gout avoid red wine, lobster, shell fish and red meat.
- Avoid sudden weight loss.
- Avoid taking diuretics that can lead to increased levels of uric acid.
- Drink cranberry juice, which is known as a uricosuric that helps to eliminate uric acid through urine.
- Apply ice or cooling lotion to lessen the pain.
- Visit your Doctor for prescription medication.
