Learn More about Gout and How to Treat It
A gout is basically defined as a health condition which is a form of painful and inflammatory arthritis which is characterized by the repetitive or recurrent attacks of a stiff, tender, hot, red, inflamed and swollen joint. The pain can be felt at the joint found at the base of the big toe and such health condition can be a result of other conditions or diseases such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart disease and diabetes. Specifically speaking, the gout is caused by the increased level if uric acid in the blood, for once its level is higher than normal, it will crystallize and its result will deposit in the joints and tendons, such as the wrists, finger, heels, elbows, and knees, as well as their surrounding tissues. Apart from the pain felt by the person who suffers from gout, the other signs and symptoms of gout includes kidney stones, urate nephropathy, fatigue, high fever, tophi and hyperuricemia. Some of the common causes of gout include the lifestyle of the patient, such as eating and drinking foods and drinks that are fructose-sweetened, meat, seafood and alcohol; triggering factors such as surgery and physical trauma; genetic or hereditary; medications such as diuretics, pain relievers, ACE inhibitors, beta blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers; and medical conditions, such as lead poisoning, hemolytic anemia, solid organ transplants, myeloproliferative disorders, psoriasis and metabolic syndrome. Treating gout based on the advised of the doctors includes medications like colchicine, NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and steroids, and prophylaxis which may help in preventing the further episode of gout and that includes medications like allopurinol, febuxostat and probenecid.
Aside from taking these medications, there are some natural ways which can be done by the patients who wants to treat their gout at the comforts of their home. The products that can be used by the individuals who suffers from gout and wants to treat them using natural products includes lemon juice, cherries, apple cider vinegar, ginger root, baking soda, bananas, cold water, Epsom salt, activated charcoal, and apples. These natural product contains vitamin C, potassium, anti-oxidant properties and anti-inflammatory properties. These natural products can help in reducing the level or amount of the uric acid in their blood by converting the crystals into liquid which can be absorbed by the body, and it can also help in reducing, lessening or alleviating the flare-ups, pain and inflammation caused by gout.
The patients who suffers from gout can also soak the affected area in cold water; exercise which can help in reducing the severity and frequency of the flare-ups of gouts by reducing the uric acid and normalizing the levels of insulin; they are also advised to reduce their intakes of soda, sugar, caffeine and alcohol; and they should also stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.