Gout Symptoms

The first sign you may have gout is usually the sudden swelling, redness and heat of a joint. The most common joint effected is the big toe although gout can strike any joint. The joint becomes hot,inflamed and very painful. The pain can be excruciating with even a light touch to much to bear.

Usually the attack stops all by itself after one or two weeks even if left untreated. Unfortunately the gout (and pain) nearly always returns. The gout if left untreated tends to return more frequently.

Gout is caused by a build up of Uric Acid in the blood. Uric acid is a by-product of the breakdown of purines which is a normal part of human tissue. This excess can be caused by your body producing to much Uric Acid or your bodies inability to remove it efficiently.

The following are common risk factors:

• Hereditary - If your parents suffer from gout
• High alcohol consumption (particularly beer)
• More men than women suffer from gout
• Certain medications can influence Uric Acid levels
• Foods containing purines Offal, gravy, yeast, alcohol)
• Carrying excess weight

Before you self medicate if you suspect you have gout go and see your health professional! You do not have the training to diagnose any medical condition so play it safe get it checked out first.

• It is thought that some foods have a tendency to raise the levels of Puric Acid in the blood. Gout sufferers are advised to avoid these high purine
  foods or to at lease reduce the amount they consume. Their is conflicting evidence (isn't there always!) as to how effective this is in controlling gout although most agree that reducing the amount of red meat and seafood eaten can be helpful.


• Being overweight is a risk factor because more tissue is available which in turn can lead to increased Uric Acid production. It therefore makes sense to eat correctly (not diet!) and get more exercise. This has the added benefit of making you feel better and reducing your chances of getting many other weight related diseases.


• Reduce the amount of alcohol you consume particularly beer as it has been shown to increase Uric Acid concentrations in the blood. One or two glasses of wine a day appear to be OK.


• Drink plenty of water to help flush your body of the excess Uric Acid. Be careful not to drink to much as this can be dangerous your doctor can advise on safe limits.

Go and see your health professional who will be able to correctly diagnose your condition. It may not even be gout as there are other conditions that share the same symptoms.

If you have gout you may be offered any of the following drugs:

• NSAIDS (Non steroidal anti-inflammatory) to help combat the inflammation.
• Corticosteroids
• Probenecid to help the body remove Uric Acid.
• Allopurinol helps the body decrease the amount of Uric Acid it produces.

If you wish to reduce the chances of getting gout it makes sense to "Live Healthily". Eat sensibly, limit alcohol consumption, exercise regularly and learn to relax.

Oddly enough if you do follow the above advice you'll not only avoid getting gout but you'll avoid most of the common causes of early death namely heart attacks, strokes, diabetes and some cancers!

Good luck to you.

Laura