What is gout?
Gout is a common and complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone.
An attack of gout can occur suddenly, often waking you up in the middle of the night with the sensation that your big toe is on fire. The affected joint is hot, swollen and so tender that even the weight of the bedsheet on it may seem intolerable.
Gout symptoms may come and go, but there are ways to manage symptoms and prevent flares.
Symptoms
- Intense joint pain.
- Lingering discomfort.
- Inflammation and redness.
- Limited range of motion.
You're more likely to develop gout if you have high levels of uric acid in your body. Factors that increase the uric acid level in your body include:
- Diet. Eating a diet rich in red meat and shellfish and drinking beverages sweetened with fruit sugar (fructose) increase levels of uric acid, which increase your risk of gout. Alcohol consumption.
- Weight.
- Medical conditions. Certain diseases and conditions increase your risk of gout. These include untreated high blood pressure and chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and heart and kidney diseases.
- Certain medications.
- Family history of gout.
- Age and sex.
- Recent surgery or trauma.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gout/symptoms-causes/syc-20372897
