Joint Pain: Gout And How To Manage It

Gout is one of the most common of all causes for joint pain. Uric acid build ups are carried in the bloodstream and settles down in the joint cartilages, causing the tendons and muscle tissues to become inflamed. Gout usually starts at the big toe and later spreads to other joint areas like the ankle, heel, instep, knee, wrists, elbow, fingers and spine. Protein rich foods and alcohol intakes are the most common causes of gout attacks. The effects of gout are more commonly experienced by men, although women become susceptible to gout after they have reached their menopausal stage. In both cases, joint pain is the off-shoots of crystallized uric acids lodged in the cartilage of joints.

Over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen may be taken to provide immediate relief for joint pain. However, aspirins are not recommended since it may prevent uric acid from being excreted in the renal system. Applying hot compress on the affected area is expected to dissolve the crystals thus providing relief. Long periods of immobility do not in anyway help in easing the joint pain brought about by gout. Instead, it only tends to cause the hardening of crystals which causes swelling.

To prevent the occurrence of gout, fluid intakes should be increased. Excretion of uric acid through urine helps reduce the build-up. On the other hand, alcohol intakes tend to dehydrate the body hence urine excretion is not promoted. A dehydrated state hastens the formation of crystals in the joints which subsequently leads to joint pains. Ingestions should be regulated to control the presence of uric acids. Thus diet of gout afflicted individuals should refrain from meat and seafood intakes. Dairy food consumption on the other hand, may neutralize gout causing substances.

Although there are drugs intended to lower uric acid, the intake of these prescriptive drugs starts only after a complete assessment of the gout attacks. In the meantime, the gout sufferer may alleviate joint pains by resting and raising the swollen joint. However, in gout attacks accompanied by fever and hot swollen joints, medical consultation is often advised. Such incidence may indicate infection and worsen the joint pains.

Limited movements may tend to worsen joint swelling. It is recommended that walking sticks be used as aid in promoting mobility Postures whether sleeping or sitting must be corrected as joint pain may occur in inert bodies.

As a summary, gout sufferers should avoid protein rich food, have plenty of water intake and accustom the body to movements rather immobility. Although over the counter drugs may be effective, aspirin is not recommended to gout patients as this prevents uric acid from being excreted. Gout is manageable but management should start before uric acids become crystallized and cause joint pain.