Gout is not an illness of the distant past as some think, and the thousands of Americans who are currently suffering from this painful condition will certainly attest to that. It is not a very common form of arthritis, but it is still something to be aware of if you are exhibiting one or more of the typical symptoms of arthritis joint pain.
Blood tests and x-rays can be used to detect if a person has gout. Uric acid levels appear extremely high on the blood test results and x-rays can show damaged cartilage and bones if a person has gout. Although gout can easily be detected, many people overlook the fact of having gout thinking that it may just be ordinary arthritis or the symptoms of some other temporary malady in the early stages. That is why those who experience symptoms similar to arthritis should immediately consult a medical professional.
There is no single direct remedy for gout. However, there are gout natural cures and medications that can help to relieve and mitigate the joint pain, edema (swelling) and inflammation associated with gout.
Those who suffer from gout need to cleanse their internal bodies in order to reduce the uric acid crystals in the joints. Foods to avoid with gout include those rich in purine — like sardines, anchovies, liver, kidneys, tripe, sweet breads, tongue, scallops, shellfish, fish roe, peas, lentils, beans and red meats — should be avoided or consumed in moderation to reduce the occurrence of gout. Drinking plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, especially water, can also help in warding off the worst effects of the disease.
Medications that are prescribed for people who have gout include pain killers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, adrenocorticotropic hormones, colchicine, probenecid, sulfinpyrazone, and allopurinol. Some of these drugs can help relieve the pain of gout while others serve to prevent future attacks of gout by inhibiting the production of uric acid.
When the symptoms of gout and other conditions first become noticeable, it can be tempting to shrug off such pangs and allow a treatable condition to progress to serious levels before getting help. Do not ignore sudden or unusual pains. Seek the advice of a doctor as soon as possible.