Gout disease or gout is a type of arthritis that occurs due to a buildup of uric acid crystals. This condition can occur in which joints?even, like in toes, ankles, knees, and most often on the big toe.
Under normal conditions, uric acid dissolves in the blood and is excreted in the urine. However, under certain conditions, uric acid can build up due to the body producing excessive amounts of uric acid or experiencing problems in removing excess uric acid.
Excessive levels of uric acid in the blood will lead to the formation of crystals in the joints. These crystals will trigger inflammation, so sufferers will experience symptoms of pain and swelling in the joints, usually in the legs.
In addition to the joints, uric acid crystals can also form in the kidneys and urinary tract. These conditions can interfere with kidney function or cause kidney stones or urinary tract stones.
Please note, although it is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia), not all people with hyperuricemia experience gout.
Causes and Symptoms of Gout
Gout is caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. This condition can occur due to the body producing too much uric acid or the kidney function in removing uric acid does not work properly, thus making uric acid levels in the blood too high.
Gout is generally characterized by the appearance of pain that occurs suddenly and lasts for some time. Painful joints also often experience redness, swelling, and heat. The part most often affected by gout is the feet.
These symptoms usually only occur in one joint, but can also occur in several joints at the same time, for example in the joints and fingers.
How to treat and prevent gout
Treatment of gout aims to relieve symptoms and prevent complications by lowering uric acid levels in the blood.
To relieve symptoms, patients can be given drugs, such as: colchicine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or corticosteroids. Meanwhile, to prevent complications, patients can be given drugs, such as allopurinol or probenecid.
Prevention of gout also needs to be done by changing a healthier lifestyle, such as by exercising regularly, not consuming excessive alcohol, and eating good foods for gout sufferers.