Gout is an extremely painful and debilitating acute condition. Gout symptoms can be so painful that it can be even difficult to walk. Gout has been called the disease of kings because risk factors for gout are linked to a rich diet. It's linked to the consumption of meats, including chicken and seafood. Consuming large amounts of protein-rich foods puts you at risk for developing gout.
Key Points
- Intense pain in your joints is a classic symptom of gout.
- Gout is typically found in the joints of your big toe, but it can occur anywhere.
- With treatment, people with gout can almost always live a normal, fulfilling life.
Gout Symptoms
One of the primary gout symptoms is an intense pain in your joints. Gout usually is found in the joints of your big toe, but it can occur in any joint, including in your feet, knees, wrists, hands or even your ankles. It certainly isn't limited to your big toe and gout episodes that occur in other locations may be much more difficult to detect since it can even appear as a severe injury or strain to the joint. The intense pain can last up to two weeks, but is usually a lot less if the gout is treated.
Gout tends to develop at night and it might even cause you to wake up in the middle of the night in pain. Your affected joints may feel very cool as the pain begins. This is what separates gout from other possible conditions.
Gout Treatment & Prognosis
Gout can be treated, and many of the gout symptoms can be eliminated easily and quickly with medicine. Recurrent gout episodes can be eliminated with either medicine or diet changes. Because the pain can be so severe, it's important to seek medical treatment early on in a gout episode. You can get your gout under control and prevent it from ever coming back with proper medical treatment.
It's important to treat your gout as soon as possible; permanent joint damage can occur if gout is left untreated. Gout can also lead to other complications, such as arthritis, kidney stones, and heart disease. When you're having a gout attack, there are some things you can do to help manage it.
Make sure you drink plenty of water. You should be aiming to drink eight to nine glasses of water a day. This will help keep your body in great condition. Avoid drinking alcohol or sweetened drinks during a gout episode, as these drinks can worsen an attack. Elevate the affected joint above your heart, and ice it as needed. Limit stress on the affected joint by only partaking in low-impact, low-intensity exercises. Make sure you take your prescribed medication as soon as you feel a flare-up starting.
With proper management, people with gout can live healthy and normal lives. You may need to take extra precautions compared to someone without gout, but there won't be any significant or difficult changes to your lifestyle. Keep your doctor informed about your condition, and never hesitate to seek medical treatment or advice if your condition worsens.
Do not take the content of this article as professional medical advice. It's important to exercise due diligence when obtaining relevant information in matters pertaining to your health. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.