What is Gout?
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Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by uric acid crystals getting caught in the spaces between the joints of the feet, the hands and some larger joints. The tissue around the joints becomes inflamed, and this inflammation triggers the sensitive nerve endings at the joint, causing extreme pain.
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Uric acid is a waste product from the body, especially from proteins called purines. It is passed out in the urine by the kidneys, which sometimes cannot cope with the load of uric acid, and this causes a build-up in the body. |
What are the Symptoms of Gout? 痛风的症状是什么？
The main symptom is severe pain, usually in the hands or feet, especially at the base of the big toe. Sometimes gout can strike in other joints, such as the elbow or the knee. The pain usually comes on without warning, often in the early hours of the morning, and soon the joint becomes so tender that one cannot bear even the weight of the bedsheets. The inflamed skin over the joint is often red, shiny and dry. The first attack usually involves only one joint and may last from a few hours to several days, generally about 2 or 3 days depending on how soon treatment is commenced. Sometimes there may be only one attack in a person’s lifetime.
Who gets Gout?
Almost any person can get gout, because all human beings produce about as much uric acid as the kidneys can handle. However, it does appear to be hereditary and is far more common in men, especially between the ages of 30 and 60.
It is one of the oldest disorders known to humans, and some well-known victims include Alexander the Great, Kublai Khan, Michelangelo, Martin Luther, Isaac Newton, Henry Ⅷ, John Wesley, Francis Bacon and Benjamin Franklin.
What causes Gout? 是什么导致痛风？
Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessarily brought on by high living and gluttony. Overindulgence in rice foods and alcohol can certainly bring on an acute attack in those who are prone to gout. It is associated with obesity and high blood pressure. Some drugs, particularly diuretics (fluid tablets), injury, surgery or starvation can bring on gout.
What are the Risks of Gout?
Gout is a curable disease, but if it is untreated it can cause kidney disease, including kidney stones.
What is the Treatment for Gout? 痛风的治疗方法是什么？
The acute attack
The earlier the attack is treated the better. Contact your doctor about the best treatment and the right pain-killer. Aspirin is not recommended for the pain of gout. Bed rest is important. Some relief can be obtained by applying a hot compress or ice to the affected joint. Keep the weight of the bedclothes off the foot by placing a bed cradle or similar object under the bedclothes.
Since gout may strike only once, no further treatment is needed apart from following the ‘rule of moderation’. If gout keeps returning, it will be necessary to go onto tablets that may have to be taken for a lifetime in order to prevent more acute attacks.
Rules of moderation
Do:
• Gout Diet : Restrict intake of food high in purines, especially organ meats (liver, brain, kidneys, sweetbread) and tinned fish (sardines, anchovies, herrings)
• Reduce your intake of alcohol
• Eat a normal weight, but avoid ‘crash’ diets
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Get regular exercise
Don’t:
• Take your worries to bed
• Exercise too strenuously
• Overexpose yourself to cold
• Drink excessive amounts of alcohol (keep to a modest level only,e.g.2 standard drinks a day)
Please seek Medical attention as soon as possible if you are unsure of you or your family's health condition.
Management of Joint Pains & Gout
Rishi Manchanda: What makes us get sick? Look upstream
Rishi Manchanda has worked as a doctor in South Central Los Angeles for a
decade, where he’s come to realize: His job isn’t just about treating a
patient’s symptoms, but about getting to the root cause of what is
making them ill—the “upstream" factors like a poor diet, a stressful
job, a lack of fresh air. It’s a powerful call for doctors to pay
attention to a patient's life outside the exam room.
Health Assessment & Screening Packages
Healthy Diets for Optimal Health
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The information provided in this website is for knowledge purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice.
Should you encounter any medical problem that you are unsure of, always consult your doctor or health care provider for assistance and medical advice.