The 411 on Gout

If you suffer from the excruciating pain of gout on a regular basis, you’re not alone. Millions of people are going through the exact same thing. About 6 million men have gout, compared to about 2 million women. Why does this frustrating condition occur, and is there anything you can do to reduce your discomfort?

Gout Explained

Gout is a type of arthritis that strikes people who have a lot of uric acid in their blood. Uric acid can develop into tiny crystals in your joints. These crystals, which are shaped somewhat like needles, are the cause of your pain. Other gout symptoms include warmth and swelling of the affected areas, as well as redness.

Pain is usually somewhat mild at first and then gradually gets worse over the next eight hours or so. Discomfort will usually subside after the first two or three days and then disappear completely after about 7-10 days. Unfortunately, gout attacks usually return. About 60 percent of sufferers have another attack within a year, while 84 percent have a recurrence within three years.

What Can You Do About Gout?

One of the best things you can do is change your diet. If you eat a lot of red meat and drink a lot of alcohol and soda, you will be at a higher risk for suffering a gout attack. Obese people are also more susceptible to gout.

Increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables could help, as well as eating more whole grain foods. Try to drink water instead of sodas. Also, get plenty of exercise and work on keeping your weight down.

If you suffer from gout attacks on a regular basis, get in touch with Rheumatology Care of North Houston and we’ll help you find relief. Call 832.532.9779 or use our convenient online system to schedule an appointment.