What is Gout?

Gout is actually a form of arthritis and is also known as metabolic arthritis. Gout is the body's reaction to crystalline deposits in the spaces between joints. Uric acid crystals accumulate between the bones of certain joints, most commonly the big toe. This causes inflammation and severe pain.

Gout attacks are typically unexpected and happen in the middle of the night. They generally affect the big toe but can also affect the kness, elbows, thumbs or fingers. The pain and inflammation disappear after a few days but can recur.

Who can get affected by gout?

Gout generally affects men of middle-age, 50% of whom are genetically pre-disposed toward the condition. Men who are overweight or suffering from high blood pressure are also prone to gout especially if they are taking thiazide diuretics lower the body's water retention. Gout is rare in women and children

What are the symptoms of gout?

Some of the symptoms of gout are

sudden and severe pain in the big toe, ankle, knee or other joint

inflammation, swelling and heat in the joint

alternating chills and fever

strikes unexpectedly and may recur but symptoms do not last for more than a week.

People who chronically suffer from gout may feel small, hard nodules in the fleshy parts of hands, feet and earlobes. These are benign deposits of uric acid crystals called tophi that can eventually cause pain, stiffness and extrusions. If these deposits form in the kidneys, they can lead to formation of kidney stones

What causes gout?

Gout is caused by a high level of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is processed in the kidneys and excreted in urine. If too much uric acid is produced or enough is not eliminated, sodium urate crystals build up in the joints adn tendons causing inflammation, pressure and pain. Some of the conditions that can lead to the disorder are

• surgery or injury
• stress
• reaction to alcohol and drugs including prescription medicines.
• kidney disorders
• enzyme defficiencies
• lead poisoning
• psoriasis
• anemia
• hereditary conditions

A condition known as pseudo gout or false gout is similar to gout but less painful and is caused by calcium crystals in the joints. It generally afflicts people age 60 and up.

How is gout diagnosed and treated?

Blood and urine tests as well as x-rays are taken to diagnose gout. Fluid may also be drawn from the synovial sac that cushions the joint.

The affected joint should be kept bare as clothing aggravates the problem. Pain killers and anti-inflammatories may be prescribed. Corticosteroid injections may also be given. However NSAIDs and corticosteroid injections may have unpleasant side effects in many people.

What are some natural ways to prevent and treat gout?

• When gout first attacks the first remedy you can take is to apply a plastic bag with ice cubes or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a soft cloth or towel to the joint. Hold for upto 5 minutes at a time and repeat as needed
• At bedtime since even the touch of a sheet can be painful, rest the the gouty foot inside a cardboard or plastic box.
• Eliminate protein-rich foods from your diet especially those high in purines (chemicals that aid in uric aid production). This includes organ meats, shellfish, fatty fish, asparagus,spinach and most dried beans.
• Avoid alcohol
• Drink plenty of clear non-alcoholic liquids
• Try to follow a vegetarian diet as gout is uncommon in vegetarians.
• Fruits that are good for preventing and treating gout are fresh or canned cherries or cherry juice, strawberries and blueberries
• A teaspoon of activated charcoal can also stimulate uric acid elimination
• Rumalaya Forte is a herbal ayurvedic formulation that is considered beneficial in arthritic conditions such as gout. Herbs such as Boswellia and Ashwagandha are used in Ayurveda to provide soothing relief.

You may also be interested in reading on

Kidney stones, causes, symptoms, herbal treatment

Arthritis - Types, Causes and Herbal Remedies

5 Natural Pain Relief Methods - Relieve Pain Naturally

Gout - Symptoms, Causes and Herbal Remedies

Bursitis inflammation and pain relief with Herbal Ayurvedic remedies

Synovitis - Causes, symptoms and Herbal remedies

Tendonitis - Causes, symptoms and Herbal remedies

Knee osteoarthritis and Obesity

References:

The Handbook of Diseases

The Medical Advisor - The complete guide to Alternative & Conventional Treatments

Pubmed.org

Himalaya Herbals Company



Herbal remedies for Joints & Muscles

Boswellia
Pure herb which promotes joint mobility

Rumalaya Forte
Relieves occasional pain, ensures joint health

Ashwagandha
Relaxes and Eases joints & muscles