Anyone that has suffered from gout understands the often debilitating pain associated with the disorder. As a result, most people afflicted with the disorder look for different ways to maintain and reduce the painful flare-ups. Developing a preventative regimen is often a priority and those who suffer search for ways to control and diminish the symptoms of this painful condition.
What is gout?
Gout occurs when bodily waste called uric acid builds up. This process forms painful needle like crystals within the joints and soft tissues of the body. This build up of Uric acid, in turn, creates inflammation which can lead to arthritis. The symptoms of gout are characterized by painful swelling, heat, redness, and stiffness in the joints. The signs of this disorder generally start in the joints of the toes and spread to other joints on the body. Uric acid will also collect in the kidneys and form kidney stones.
What causes gout?
Gout is a genetic disorder and can be prevalent among family members. Other contributing factors that can predispose a person to this disorder are weight, age, gender, alcohol, diet, and even lead exposure. Existing health conditions can also contribute to the disorder. The use of certain medications and vitamins like diuretics, Salicylate-containing drugs, Cyclosporine, Levodopa, and Niacin can cause gout.
How is gout treated?
Gout is controlled through diet and anti-inflammatory drugs. A clean diet that avoids the heavy consumption of meats with purines can diminish flare ups. Most people afflicted with this disorder have learned to manage it by combining a healthy lifestyle with the use of NSAID’s used at key times. Even with a job that exposes you to certain industrial processes like the catalyst unloading procedure, you can still control flare-ups.
Dealing with gout can be difficult however it is manageable. Eating a clean diet and using anti-inflammatory drugs can make this order more bearable and less painful. It just takes being committed to eating well, exercising, and using medication when flare-ups do occur. However, this is possible and there are many people living with gout that prove this. Consistency and a commitment to practicing a health lifestyle go a long way.
