|
What is Gout Arthritis?
 Gout is a common type of arthritis and has the unique distinction of being one of the most frequently recorded medical conditions throughout history. It is
sometimes considered a 'rich man's' disease because it is often associated with the intake of too much rich food and alcohol.
Uric acid
Gout occurs when there are abnormally elevated levels of uric acid in the blood
and tissues. Uric acid is the end product of the metabolism of chemicals called purines that are found in many foods. Normally, the body disposes of excess
uric acid via the urine, but in people with gout, uric acid accumulates in the body.
This can be due to reduced excretion of uric acid by the kidneys or to overproduction of uric acid by the body. This accumulation of uric acid may also cause kidney stones.
Gout attack
When uric acid accumulates in the blood and tissues it crystallises out into a joint, taking on the
shape of a needle. This causes a painful arthritis attack called a gout attack.
This type of attack commonly strikes the big toe, but other joints can be affected, including the
instep, ankle, knee, wrist, elbow and fingers. Acute pain is generally the first symptom and then the affected joint becomes inflamed (almost infected-looking), red, swollen, hot and extremely sensitive
to the touch.
Hyperuricaemia
Some people may have high levels of uric acid in the blood (this is called hyperuricaemia), but have
no arthritis pain. This sometimes happens to close relatives of gout sufferers. Many people with high levels of uric acid do not develop gout, while sometimes people with repeated gout attacks
have normal or low levels of uric acid.
Who is at risk of developing gouty arthritis?
Gout is roughly 9 times more common in men than women and is most common in middle-aged men.
It is strongly associated with overweight and high blood pressure. Gout can also occur in women (often after menopause).
Maori and Pacific Islanders tend to have high uric acid levels and are predisposed to gout. In
Australia, the type of individual most commonly affected by gout is an overweight man who drinks large amounts of alcohol, is a regular meat-eater and who often has high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Risk factors for developing gout
Uric acid is a by-product of the breakdown of certain foods in the body, and gout was once
considered to be closely related to diet. It is now understood that inheriting it is the most common reason for gout to occur. Certain medications, such as some types of diuretics can also cause gout.
Also, certain diseases can also lead to an excessive production of uric acid in the body, including some leukaemias, lymphomas and some haemoglobin disorders.
Some studies have indicated an increased prevalence of abnormally low thyroid hormone levels (called hypothyroidism) in gout patients.
Aggravating factors
There are a number of conditions that can cause acute attacks of gout. These include:
- dehydration;
- injury to a joint;
- excessive intake of purine-containing foods;
- sudden starvation;
- heavy alcohol intake; and
- recent surgery (this may be related to changes in the body fluid balance because of fasting before surgery).
What are the symptoms of gout?
The most common site for gout attacks is the base of the big toe, but gout may affect ankles,
knees, wrists, fingers and elbows. Symptoms of an attack include:
- sudden, intense pain in a joint;
- swelling, inflammation and a feeling that the joint is very hot;
- reddish discolouration;
- marked tenderness (this tenderness can be so intense that even a blanket touching the skin can be unbearable); and
- chills or fever, in some cases.
A gout attack usually strikes unexpectedly, but usually subsides in a few days with treatment.
However, some people experience pain for several weeks. Gout attacks often re-occur and without the correct management, attacks may become more frequent.
You should contact your doctor if severe pain in a joint recurs or lasts more than a few days, especially if the pain is accompanied by chills or fever.
Tests for gout
Blood tests can be done to measure the amount of uric acid in the blood, although this may not be
conclusive of gout.
Also, your doctor can insert a needle into the affected joint, remove some fluid from the area and examine this fluid for the uric acid crystals characteristic of gout.
Prevention of gout
Preventing acute gout attacks is equally as important as treating the gout. Prevention of gout
generally involves:
- maintaining adequate fluid intake to promote the excretion of uric acid;
- weight reduction, if necessary. This can be achieved by reducing dietary fat and calorie intake, which should be combined with a regular aerobic exercise programme. However,
crash diets should be avoided as this can lead to an increase in uric acid levels through lowered uric acid excretion;
- dietary changes to reduce uric acid levels in the blood. You should avoid purine-rich foods
such as shellfish, organ meats (liver, brains, kidney etc.), and anchovies and sardines. You should also limit the intake of dried beans and peas and yeast products; and
- reduction or elimination of alcohol consumption. Alcohol can cause uric acid levels to rise
and can also have a diuretic effect that can add to dehydration and precipitate gout attacks.
Treatment of an acute attack of gout
- Apply VITAFON Apparatus Vibroacoustic's Vibraphones after selecting the related pre-progranmed operation on the sick aria. Folow the instruction manual for treatment
sessions.
Medications to avoid recurrent attacks
Colchicine is sometimes used as prevention against future attacks. Allopurinol is used in long-term
prevention of gout and decreases the body's production of uric acid. Medications may be used to increase uric acid passed in the urine. These types of medications (uricosuric drugs) assist in
reducing the risk of recurrent attacks of arthritis, kidney stones and kidney disease.
People experiencing gout attacks should, however, avoid medications containing aspirin as these
can make gout worse. that's why treatment with VITAFON Apparatus Vibroacoustic is risk free.
Self-help for gout
When the affected joint is a big toe, a box or cage to keep the bedclothes off the toe may be
helpful.
|
