Gout
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that causes pain and
swelling in joints. Gout most commonly affects the big toe joint. But it can
affect other joints also. Gout symptoms come and go in episodes called flares
or gout attacks
SYMPTOMS
- Intense pain.
- Discoloration or redness.
- Stiffness.
- Swelling.
- Tenderness, even to a light touch
- Warm sensation in the joint
RISK FACTORS
- Overweight or obesity.
- Congestive heart failure.
- Diabetes.
- Hypertension (high
blood pressure).
- Kidney disease.
- Blood cancer.
- Male predominance
- Family history
- Eat a lot of animal proteins — especially animal flesh, shellfish, and
foods that contain organ meat.
- Alcohol
- Certain medications
- Sugary drinks and sweets
- High fructose corn syrup
- Alcohol
- Organ meats
- Game meats
- Certain seafood
- Red meat
- Turkey
- Gravy and meat sauces.
DIAGNOSIS
- X-rays.
- Ultrasound.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- A CT (computed tomography) scan —
specifically a dual-energy CT scan.
- Physical examination
- Blood tests
- Joint aspiration
MANAGEMENT
- Low purine diet for gout
- Drink plenty of water
- Regular exercise can help reduce stress on joints and reduce risk of
obesity
