Getting Gout Under Control

Gout is a condition that results from increased production of or decreased excretion of uric acid crystals in the body. This condition is more common in men than in women and can occur at any age but is most common in the 40 – 60-year-old age range.

Uric acid is a byproduct of the metabolism of purines – which is a common component of many foods that we eat. Foods that are high in purines are typically known as ‘proteins’ or ‘rich foods.’ Foods that have a known association with gout include red meat, red wine, sardines, shellfish, herring, alcoholic beverages, and peanut butter.

Gout is caused by an increased amount of uric acid crystals in the body.

This can either be caused by producing too much uric acid or not excreting enough uric acid through your urine. Some people develop gout because their body naturally overproduces uric acid crystals, and at other times the kidneys are unable to eliminate normal amounts of uric acid crystals. Other people can develop gout as a function of medications that they are taking for other health conditions (such as diuretics or ‘water pills’ for high blood pressure).

Occasionally, a person can have a genetic predisposition to develop this condition.

After having too much uric acid in the blood for an extended period of time, the uric acid can accumulate and crystallize in your joints. This can happen in every joint of the body, not just the foot. Uric acid tends to crystallize in joints that have a lower temperature than the rest of the body, and this is why it classically appears in the big toe joint(s).

Symptoms

When a person has a gout attack, it is typically marked by the following symptoms:

• Intense, sudden pain, often beginning in the middle of the night

• Significant redness, swelling, and increased temperature across the joint.

• This is so painful that patients frequently say that the joint is painful if on the floor when and door slams at the other side of the house, and it is painful to have bedsheets touch the area.