If you suspect you have gout and before you seek the best gout treatment in Kolkata, it’s a good idea to have a thorough understanding of this condition.
Here are 7 most frequently asked questions about gout:
What is gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis that’s caused by deposits of uric acid crystals in the joints. The crystals can form when there is too much uric acid in the body, which generally happens when you don’t excrete enough through urine. Gout causes sudden, severe attacks of pain and swelling in the joints. It is most often found in the big toe, but it can also affect other joints such as the ankles, feet, knees, hands, and wrists.
What is the main cause of gout?
Gout is caused by a condition known as hyperuricemia. Hyperuricemia occurs when your body produces too much uric acid or absorbs too much uric acid from your diet. Uric acid is formed during the breakdown of purines, which are chemical compounds found in DNA and RNA (the genetic material in all living cells). Uric acid is removed from the body by your kidneys and passed through your urine. When there is too much uric acid in your blood, it will crystallize into needlelike structures known as monosodium urate monohydrate crystals that accumulate inside joints. These crystals cause inflammation and pain.
What is the best way to get rid of gout?
The best way to prevent gout is to keep your blood pressure under control, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly. If you develop gout attacks, there are things you can do to ease your symptoms:
- Keep moving as much as possible. Try not to sit or lie in one position for long periods of time.
- Take OTC painkillers.
- Apply heat packs or ice packs wrapped in a cloth to any painful areas – this helps reduce inflammation and soothe the pain.
- Drink lots of water every day – this helps flush out excess uric acid from the body.
What are the warning signs of gout?
Some of the common warning signs of gout include:
- A hot, swollen joint that feels very tender when touched
- Pain at night, when you’re resting or sitting quietly
- Pain that gets worse throughout the day and into the evening
- A sudden attack of pain and swelling in one or more joints (often only one joint is affected)
- Tenderness when you touch the joint area
What are the best foods to eat when you have gout?
Most people with gout can eat most other foods without any problems. However, there are some foods that should be avoided because they contain high amounts of purines — chemical compounds found in certain foods that can cause your body to form uric acid crystals in your joints.
In general, eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that will help ensure that you get the nutrients you need. Complex carbohydrates are key to keeping your blood sugar levels steady. They are digested slowly, which helps you feel fuller for longer. This means that you’ll be less likely to snack on high-fat foods or refined carbohydrates, both of which can trigger gout attacks.
How long does gout last for?
From the onset of the symptoms, the pain will peak around 12-24 hours. An acute gout attack will usually go away after 2 weeks, although it can sometimes last longer than this. This is why it’s important you seek the best gout treatment in Kolkata from an experienced doctor.
What is the treatment for gout?
Acute gout is usually treated with medications called NSAIDs. These drugs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin. The medications help reduce pain and inflammation. If you have an acute gout attack, take the first dose of your NSAID as soon as you can after the onset of symptoms. (Take medications under a doctor’s supervision!) If you have a chronic gout problem, you may need to take medication every day to prevent attacks of acute gouty arthritis.
Final words
Managing the symptoms of acute and chronic gout is possible. Consult an orthopedic doctor. Talk to them about gout, arthritis treatment in Kolkata, and other orthopedic issues or concerns that you may have.