FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions):

What is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis. It appears suddenly, and causes severe pain and swelling. It usually affects only one joint at a time, most frequently the the big toe joint, although it can affect other joints as well.

Who gets this disease?

Gout mainly affects men over the age of 40. However, there is a very small percentage of women who develop the disease with onset usually after menopause.

What causes it?

Gout is caused by the build-up of too much uric acid in the body. Uric acid is formed when the body breaks down waste products called purines. The uric acid forms microscopic crystals in the joints that cause pain and inflammation.

This disease can be inherited or it can develop as a complication of another illness. Some of the causes include high alcohol intake, which is the main culprit, eating too many foods that are high in purines, obesity, crash dieting, which can raise uric acid levels in the blood, and some medications that are used to treat high blood pressure.

Is Gout curable?

Unfortunately there is no cure, however, the disease can be easily controlled by taking medication and eliminating high purine foods from the diet.

It can be put in remission with the right medication and treatment so that no further attacks or complications occur.

What types of foods are high in purines?

Foods high in purines that should be avoided are liver, kidneys and other organ meat, a nchovies, sardines in oil, herring, shellfish, dried beans and peas, mushrooms, spinach, asparagus and cauliflower, yeast, gravies and consommés.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms can include sudden join pain and swelling, most commonly in the big toe joint that lasts for 5 to 10 days. The area can appear very shiny and have a reddish or purple appearance, and the slightest pressure on the area can result in severe pain.

At first, episodes usually are few and far between, but left untreated, attacks may occur more frequently and may last for longer durations. After several acute episodes over a period of years, persistent stiffness, swelling and pain can occur.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made by your physician taking a medical history, including information on alcohol use and diet, and then examining the affected joint. A blood test is usually performed to measure the amount of uric acid in the blood. Fluid from an affected joint can also be removed and analyzed for presence of uric acid crystals.

What is the treatment for this disease?

Gout is treated with medication and diet. High daily fluid intake, which should include 10-12 eight-ounce glasses of water or non-alcoholic liquids, is usually recommended to flush uric acid crystals from the body.

Are there any complications that can arise?

Uric acid crystals can form in the kidneys causing kidney stones or kidney damage. Also, tophi, which are large deposits of uric acid crystals that build up in and near joints, can form. These deposits look like lumps beneath the skin, and can also develop in or near other joints and also on the outer edges of the ears. If not treated, they can cause joint damage.

Can I exercise if I have Gout?

Exercise is always beneficial, however, during a flare-up the joint should be rested until the inflammation and swelling dissipate.