Gout is a treatable form of arthritis that can cause short-term pain and inflammation in the joints. Gout may develop only once in a lifetime, or may recur, and if left untreated can cause damage to the joints and other medical problems. Fortunately, self-care behaviors, lifestyle changes and medical treatments can prevent gout from worsening. Consider these facts from the Mayo Clinic about gout disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms of gout may develop suddenly and include intense pain, inflammation and redness of joints, especially in the toes, ankles and knees.
Features
Attacks of gout often begin at nighttime and may cause difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep.
Time Frame
An attack of gout may last for up to 10 days if not treated, but ongoing discomfort may last for an additional 2 weeks.
Risk Factors
Gout disease is more likely to occur in people who have more than two drinks of alcohol daily, have hypertension, high cholesterol or artery disease.
Complications
Gout that is not treated may cause people to develop joint infections, kidney stones or tophi, which are hard deposits of uric acid that result in lumps in the skin.
Medical Treatments
Gout disease can be treated with medications, including NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen sodium), oral steroids (prednisone) or injected steroids (cortisone).
Self Care
Personal behaviors such as drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol, and limiting consumption of meats and fish to no more than 6 oz. per day can reduce symptoms of gout.
Tags: Gout disease, more than, pain inflammation