RSS Feeds: Gout: So what is it?
Gout is characterized by excruciating, sudden, unexpected, burning pain as well as swelling, redness, warmth, and stiffness in the affected joint. This occurs most commonly in men's toes but can appear in other parts of the body and affect women as well. Low-grade fever may also be present. The patient usually suffers from two sources of pain. The crystals inside the joint cause intense pain whenever the affected area is moved. The inflammation of the tissues around the joint also causes the skin to be swollen, tender and sore if it is even slightly touched. For example, a blanket or even the lightest sheet draped over the affected area can cause extreme pain.
Gout usually attacks the big toe (approximately 75 percent of first attacks); however, it also can affect other joints such as the ankle, heel, instep, knee, wrist, elbow, fingers, or spine. In some cases, the condition may appear in the joints of small toes that have become immobile due to impact injury earlier in life; the resulting poor blood circulation can lead to gout.
Patients with long-standing hyperuricemia (see below) can have uric acid crystal deposits called tophi (singular: tophus) in other tissues such as the helix of the ear. Elevated levels of uric acid in the urine can lead to uric-acid crystals precipitating in the kidneys or bladder, forming uric-acid kidney stones.
Gout is caused by an elevated level of uric acid in the bloodstream. Uric crystals form on the articular cartilage of joints, tendons, and surrounding tissues. Signs of gout usually start in the big toe joint. Gout is extremely painful and is directly linked to diet, which has more of an effect than genetics.
Uric acid is more likely to form into crystals when there is hyperuricemia, an excess of uric acid in the blood. The concentration of uric acid in the bloodstream is affected by blood pH. Low pH increases the concentration of uric acid in the blood.
Uric acid is a product of purine metabolism and is usually excreted in the urine. Purines are generated by the body when cells breakdown as part of the normal life cycle of cells. Purines are also present in the foods we eat.
Historically, gout has been called the Disease of Kings and Rich Man's Disease because it is linked to rich, decadent foods. Dairy, sugars, fried and fatty foods, alcohol – especially beer – and red meat are all contributors to gout.
by Bart Iccles
Interested in learning more about gout? If you suffer from chronic gout, there is something you can do about it.
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