Gout is a condition that results from depositions of crystals of uric acid in tissues of the body and appears as recurring attacks of joint inflammation (arthritis). Gout is one of the most frequently recorded medical illnesses. It occurs as a result of an inherited abnormality in the body's ability to process uric acid. Uric acid is a breakdown product of purines that are part of many foods in daily life. Some patients may only develop elevated blood uric-acid levels without having arthritis or kidney problems. The term "gout" commonly is used to refer to the painful arthritis attacks. Gouty arthritis is usually an extremely painful attack with a rapid onset of joint inflammation. The joint inflammation is precipitated by deposits of uric-acid crystals in the synovial fluid of the joint and joint lining. Intense joint inflammation occurs as white blood cells which are part of defense mechanism of our body attack this uric acid crystal and release chemicals of inflammation, which produces pain, heat, and redness of the joint tissues. While an elevated blood level of uric acid may indicate an increased risk of gout, the relationship between hyperuricemia and gout is unclear. Many patients with hyperuricemia do not develop gout, while some patients with repeated gout attacks have normal or low blood uric-acid levels. Gout is a complex disorder that can affect anyone. Fortunately, gout is treatable, and there are ways to reduce the risk that gout will recur. The signs and symptoms of gout are almost always acute, occurring suddenly often at night and without warning.

They include:

• Intense joint pain.

• Inflammation and redness.

Gout occurs when urate crystals accumulate around your joint, causing the inflammation and intense pain of a gout attack. Urate crystals can form when you have high levels of uric acid in your blood. Your body produces uric acid when it breaks down purines, substances that are found naturally in your body, as well as in certain foods, such as organ meats, anchovies, herring, asparagus and mushrooms. Normally, uric acid dissolves in your blood and passes through your kidneys into your urine. But sometimes your body either produces too much uric acid or your kidneys excrete too little uric acid. When this happens, uric acid can build up, forming sharp, needle-like urate crystals in a joint or surrounding tissue that cause pain, inflammation and swelling.

Factors that increase the uric acid level in your body include:

• Lifestyle factors.

• Medical conditions.

  • Untreated high blood pressure

  • Diabetes

  • High levels of fat and cholesterol in the blood

  • Arteriosclerosis.

• Certain medications

  • Thiazide diuretics

  • Low-dose aspirin

  • Anti-rejection drugs prescribed for people who have undergone an organ transplant.

• Positive family history of gout.

• Sex: More common in men.

People with gout can develop more-severe conditions, such as:

• Recurrent attacks of joint pains

• Deposition of urate crystals to form under the skin in nodules called tophi (TOE-fi). Tophi which are not painful, but they can become swollen and tender during gout attacks.

• Kidney stones.

Gout diet:

• Cut back on the amount of red meat and seafood you eat.

• Avoid alcoholic beverages.

• Eat more low-fat dairy products.

• Eat more complex carbohydrates, such as whole-grain breads.

• Reduce the amount of animal protein you eat.

• Avoid alcohol.

• Drink plenty of liquids.

Role of Homeopathy in Gout:
Homeopathy helps in achieving long term relief and control over frequency of gout attacks. Homeopathic medicines give prompt relief in pain and inflammation in gout. Your need for NSAIDs is reduced to a great extent. Regular gout diet and healthy life style is strongly recommended with homeopathic medicines for good control and long term benefits in complains of gout. Gout is a chronic illness which needs constitutional homeopathic approach. Achieving control of an acute attack as well as strategy for long term management are therapeutic targets of homeopathic management of gout.

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