What is gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that causes severe pain and inflammation in the joints.  Often, it wakes the sufferer up in the middle of the night with a burning so tender that even moving under a blanket can feel like having your joints pressed in a steam iron.  The affected joints are usually reddened and tender to the touch. 

What are the symptoms of gout?

Gout usually occurs suddenly, often in the middle of the night.  It is marked by intense joint pain, typically in the big toe, but can also occur in the feet, ankles, knees, hands and wrists.  The infected joints appear swollen, red and are very tender to the touch.  The pain can last anywhere from 5-10 days, then subsides, gradually becoming pain free in about two weeks. 

Who suffers from gout?

Typically, men are the usual sufferers of gout, though it is becoming increasingly common among post-menopausal women.

What causes gout?

Gout is caused by an accumulation of urate crystals in the joints, inflaming the joint.  Urate crystals are formed due to an overabundance of uric acid in the blood.  Foods high in purines, such as organ meats (i.e. liver, brains, kidneys and sweetbreads), anchovies, herring, asparagus and mushrooms, release uric acid when digested, sometimes causing uric acid levels in the blood to increase.  While increased uric acid levels may not be particularly harmful to most, genetics seem to play a major role in the body’s ability to filter uric acid naturally.  Those whose kidneys do not adequately filter uric acid quickly, can develop gout.

My pain is not in my toe, but my knee.  Is this gout?

It may be pseudogout or false gout.  Pseudogout is not caused by uric crystals, but by calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate.  Though called false gout, this condition is also extremely painfully and no less serious.  Talk to your doctor about any joint pain you might be experiencing.

Who is at risk for gout?

Men age 40-50 seem to be most susceptible to gout, as well as post-menopausal women.  Other factors that increase chances of gout are excess consumption of alcohol, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and arteriosclerosis.  Some medications such as thiazide diuretics and even low-dose aspirin can increase uric acid levels.

How will my doctor test for gout?

Your doctor can screen for gout in a number of ways.  Simple blood and urine tests can be used to monitor levels of uric acid in the blood and urine.  A joint fluid aspiration test, where the doctor removes fluid from an inflamed joint, may also be required to check for the presence of uric acid crystals.

Is my gout bad enough to see my doctor?

If the pain is bad enough to wake you up in the middle of the night and continues for several days, you should definitely see your doctor.  Undiagnosed and untreated gout can lead to recurrences and joint tissue damage.

Are there any other medical conditions associated with gout?

Yes.  Some people who have gout are susceptible to chronic forms of arthritis later in life.  Also, due to the high concentration of uric acid in the blood and the failure of the kidneys to filter it out, many gout sufferers may also develop kidney stones.

What relief is available for gout?

Regular anti-inflammatory drugs and some muscle relaxants can provide temporary relief from the pain of gout, but they will not alleviate the cause.  Your doctor may prescribe steroids to fight the causes, but these steroids also come with some serious side effects.  Luckily, there is a natural, herbal remedy as well.  Bissy nut (cola acuminate) has been known to help relieve inflammation in arthritis and gout and is a natural diuretic, stimulating the body in processing the uric acid out of the system.

What can I do to prevent gout?

Not only is gout treatable, it can also be preventable.  While there are some genetic causes to gout, the propensity for gout can be alleviated by some simple lifestyle changes.  First and foremost, if you are overweight, see your doctor about starting a weight-loss program.  Second, reduce or even eliminate alcohol consumption.  Third, reduce intake of foods that are high in purines, such as such as organ meats (i.e. liver, brains, kidneys and sweetbreads), anchovies, herring, asparagus and mushrooms.  Fourth, eat low-fat dairy products as well as wheat, green gram, raisins and ginger.

Are there any herbal remedies for gout?

Yes, there are.  Bissy nut (cola acuminate) has been known to help relieve inflammation in arthritis and gout and is a natural diuretic, stimulating the body in processing the uric acid out of the system. 

Are there any Ayurveda remedies for gout?

Yes.  Bloodletting and leeching are helpful in purifying the body of the toxins causing gout.  Milk enemas are also effective in purging the body.  Some Ayurveda formulations used for the treatment of gout include Guduchi, Punarnava, Manjisth, Yashtimadhu, Mahamanjishthadi kwath, Panchtikta churna and Shilajitwadi vati.  Medicated oil massages and snehana therapies also can work well to treat gout.