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Gout is a painful medical condition resulting from high levels of uric acid in the blood.
Uric acid is a naturally occurring waste product that, under normal circumstances, is removed from the body by the kidneys in the form of urine. When the kidneys fail to perform this function, however, excess uric acid levels can lead to urate crystal formation (aka crystalline arthritis) in the joints and tendons. These urate crystals can be the source of inflammation, pain, and tenderness in the affected areas, as well as damage to joints and connective tissue which can restrict range of motion. Gout tends to develop in the following areas: the base of the big toe, the wrists, elbows, knees, and instep. It rarely affects either the shoulders, hips, or back. Gout may affect up to 3 percent of the general population. Typically, though, gout occurs in males more often than females. In fact, gout is 4 times more likely to occur in the male population. Gout is also a disease that favors older individuals. It is diagnosed far more frequently in indviduals who are thirty years of age or older, though its long term affects can be more pronounced in those who develop the condition before age 30. Males over 50 and females over 60 are also more likely to develop gout. Although gout is an inherited condition, it does seem to be triggered by external and environmental factors such as diet, changes in body weight, and alcohol consumption which can affect the ability of the kidneys to remove uric acid from the body. A condition that is sometimes concurrent with gout is the development of kidney stones. Statistically, in fact, 20 percent of those who have gout eventually develop kidney stones. Gout is treated by, and mediated with, the use of pharmacy available prescription drugs such as allopurinol (taken to normalize blood uric acid levels) and purine rich foods. Questions and Information about Gout |
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