Gout is a disease that develops along with the high levels of uric acid in the body. The pains usually occur in the cartilage of joints or tendons where the monosodium urate (uric acid) crystals are deposited. Symptoms include the excruciating pain together with the swelling of the infected joint. Oftentimes, a low grade fever can be present. Sources of pain can be from the crystal deposits in the joints or the inflamed tissues around the joints. Approximately, 75% of the first major attacks of gout occur in the big toe. The rest can occur in the heel, ankle, knee, wrist or even the spine.
The development of gouts can be the accounted as a complication from other medical conditions or the result of too much uric acid in the body itself. Causes can also be traced with heredity factors like the imbalance of purine-pyrimidine metabolism during the infancy period. However, this kind of disease is common on individuals who enjoy lobsters or crabs and other foods made from various animal organs. Thus higher percentage of developing gout is often associated with the kind of lifestyle that one is embracing. That is why obese and diabetic people are also prone to developing gout.
The diagnosis of gout is supported with the presence of plasma urate at a level greater than the specified normal value. In males, the value of urates must not exceed 420 ?mol/L (7.0 mg/dL) and 380 ?mol/L for females. The most common clinical sign for gout is the presence of podagra or the tophi.
There are various treatments available for gout related health issues but later creates severe side effects. However, reducing the risk factors can be practiced before any major complications can occur. This includes maintaining the ideal body weight, exercising, and the intake of the recommended daily water requirement.
