Gout is a condition that most people don’t hear much about until they personally end up with it. This painful leg and foot disorder can cause sufferers to experience terrible symptoms that leave them unable to do much until the flare is completely under control. There are many different causes of gout and it is somewhat difficult to treat, which is why we wanted to educate you on what gout might mean for you. In this article, we will discuss gout as a disease, as well as its symptoms and treatments.
What Is Gout?
When you experience gout, you will know that something is wrong very quickly. This condition, which is a specific kind of arthritis caused by uric acid, can cause sufferers a wide range of sudden and painful problems. Gout occurs when the body has too much uric acid and leads to very painful side effects in the sufferer’s legs and feet.
For most, gout targets the areas specifically around the joints like any other form of arthritis. What makes gout unique is the fact that it has very sudden onsets. You can be fine, then suddenly find yourself suffering from a great deal of pain. In most instances, gout flares start near the toes and then move back in a painful onset of very sudden pain.
Uric acid is a naturally occurring acid within the body, and it is also available in many different foods that we eat. In some instances, it can be caused by diet or even too much alcohol. While diet can influence how much uric acid is built up in your body, alcohol can cause your body to flare up at much lower levels of uric acid. If your body cannot remove the uric acid crystals quickly enough, you will inevitably have a painful spell caused by your system being overwhelmed.
What Are The Symptoms of Gout?
The most notable symptom of gout is without a doubt pain. The feeling of a gout flare is often said to be sudden, sharp, and without mercy. Many people find themselves unable to walk or stand until the spell has passed, leaving many in pain and incapacitated.
In addition to incredibly severe pain, gout often reveals itself as swelling. Since gout is caused by inflammation of the joints, it is common to see an area that is swollen and red. When pressed, the area will cause a great deal of pain, which is why many find themselves stuck in a seated position until it passes.
When the symptoms occur, it is important to note that it is not always the same spot. In fact, gout can affect a wide range of points throughout the legs and feet, making it possible for sufferers to experience a different round of pain every time. Even worse, gout flares can last for several days, leaving those who are impacted stuck in bed while suffering.
How Is Gout Treated?
Gout is a condition that can vary from one person to the next depending on how the person’s body is responding to the uric acid. There is no miracle cure for gout. Instead, patients and doctors have to work together to try to balance the condition on a personal level.
The first and most obvious method of treatment is the use of pain killers. In the event that you are experiencing gout flares, you will absolutely want to take something to manage your discomfort. This can make it easier for patients to grapple with any pain so that it is more manageable.
In order to treat gout, the individual will need to lower the levels of uric acid in their body or alter what might be influencing the body’s response. In most instances, those who suffer from gout will not want to spend time drinking alcohol, as it can exacerbate the condition. To lower the levels of uric acid in the body, it is important to focus on making any necessary diet changes or even taking medication to forcefully lower the levels in a person’s body.
Conclusion
Though gout is a painful condition that is known for wreaking havoc on a person’s day, it is not impossible to treat. Unfortunately, managing gout is an ongoing process that requires the impacted individual to actively take steps to reduce the likelihood of a flare-up. If you believe that you might be experiencing gout, it is important to schedule an appointment with a local podiatrist, like Wasatch Foot and Health. The sooner that the doctor can evaluate your situation, the sooner you can get relief. As unpleasant as it might be, you can manage your gout and fight against these terrible symptoms!
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