Gout

What is gout?

Gout is a common form of arthritis that is more likely to affect men than women, and is actually the most common form of inflammatory arthritis in men. People with gout will suffer with the condition long-term but it is not a constant pain; symptoms come on quickly and then clear, in what is known as ‘attacks’ of gout.

Gout most commonly affects the joints of the big toe, but can also appear in the ankles, knees, elbows, fingers and wrists. During attacks of gout, these joints because inflamed, swollen and red and can be intensely painful.

What causes gout?

The cause of the actual symptoms of gout are due to excessive amounts of uric acid in the blood. Normally, this is dissolved and excreted through urine but in people who suffer from gout, the uric acid crystalises on the joints and cause pain and inflammation.

There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of developing gout. Your age and gender play a big part, as men produce more uric acid than women but women’s levels increase after they go through the menopause.

Genetics can also play a part in gout, but normally it’s due more largely to lifestyle choices. Uric acid is present in a number of foods (eg. meat, poultry and seafood) and those who eat large amounts, are more likely to get gout. It’s also extremely common in those who are overweight or obese so gout sufferers are always advised to try and lose weight to relieve their condition.

How can I treat gout?

Gout is a chronic condition so it cannot be cured. However, attacks of gout can effectively be managed with medication. Usually, first line treatment is either an NSAID painkiller such as Naproxen or Diclofenac, or an anti-gout agent such as Colchicine. These medicines help to relieve the pain associated with a gout attack, and help to clear it quickly.

However, if you’re suffering from a high number of gout attacks then you might want to consider a preventative medication. Allopurinol reduces the number of gout attacks that you experience and helps you to continue as normal. However, it’s important not to take Allopurinol when you experience an attack of gout; it is a preventative measure, not a treatment and if you try can take it incorrectly, it can actually make your attack of gout last longer.

There are also a number of lifestyle factors that you should consider if you suffer from gout. Because gout attacks are related to uric acid, it’s a good idea to reduce the number of foods you eat that are high in this. 

It’s also wise to cut down on your alcohol consumption, because alcohol can interfere with how your body removes uric acid. Certain medications can also increase the amount of uric acid in your blood so you should speak to your doctor if you’re noticing increased gout attacks because of these.