|
Gout is the inflammation of the joints caused by too much uric acid in the system
sudden, intense pain in a joint usually the big toe
swelling, inflammation, and a feeling that the joint is very hot.
usually strikes unexpectedly and may recur without warning and, for some reason, in the middle of the night, it strikes, an intense pain in a joint, most often the big toe, but sometimes other joints, including knees, elbows, thumbs or fingers. Attacks of gout can be unexpected and excruciatingly painful. The attacks may return without notice in weeks, months or other intervals.
Gout usually strikes middle aged men who are overweight or suffering from high blood pressure.
Gout is the body's reaction to irritating crystalline deposits in the space between the bones in a joint. In spite of the extreme pain at onset, gout responds well to prompt treatment; mild cases may be controlled by diet alone.
Chronic attacks of gout, however, may require long-term medication to prevent damage to bone and cartilage, as well as deterioration of the kidneys because of excess uric acid production.
Chronic gout sufferers may feel tiny, crystals of uric acid slats settle in the joints, skin and kidneys. In the kidneys, they can lead to painful and potentially dangerous kidney stones.
Gout is brought on by an excessively high level of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is essential to the digestive process, and the excess is filtered through the kidneys and eliminated in urine. If the body produces too much uric acid or fails to excrete it, crystals of sodium urate become concentrated in the joints and tendons, causing inflammation, pressure, and severe pain.
Factors that can cause this problem include…
Injury,
a surgical procedure,
periods of stress,
or reactions to alcohol and certain drugs, including antibiotics.
Gout may also occur in the presence of some tumours or cancers.
Gout may also accompany psoriasis or anaemia.
Susceptibility to gout can be inherited, and repeat attacks are common if the body's uric acid level is not kept under control.
To relieve the strong pain associated with this disease is the first requirement. Any pressure on the affected joint worsens the pain so it is advised to keep the joint bare.
Anti-infammatories are the first line treatment.
You must keep the uric acid levels under control to prevent continuous attacks, medication is available to keep uric acid at normal levels. Ask your doctor for a suitable treatment. You will need to go back for your doctor to monitor the levels of uric acid regularly.
If you do not have this condition treated, you will do damage to your kidneys.
Non-conventional approaches to treating gout begin with reducing the immediate pain and inflammation, then continue with therapies to control excessive uric acid production.
Aromatherapy - Juniper oil is helpful if applied using a compress to the affected area. Do not use this oil if you are pregnant, or if you have liver or kidney disorders. Rosemary can be used in a compress or in massage oil. Do not use this essential oil if you are pregnant, epileptic or have high blood pressure. (see the Aromatherapy section for more information).
Herbal Therapy - Drink an infusion of 2 tsp celery seed or Gravelroot in a cup of water, three times a day, to stimulate elimination of uric acid. Speak with your Pharmacist or Naturopath about taking charcoal tablets for this condition.
Homoeopathy - Mixed homoeopathic remedies may include dilute doses of Arnica, Ledum, Urtica urens, Benzoicum acidum, Lycopodium, and Pulsatilla.
|
Disclaimer
The information on our site carries absolutely no warrantees at all. Our internet site is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment. Wellbeing Ireland disclaims all representations and warranties, including for example warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In addition, Wellbeing Ireland do not represent or warrant that the information accessible via this site is accurate, complete or current. Price and availability information is subject to change without notice. Wellbeing Ireland or any of its directors, employees or other representatives will not be liable for damages arising out of or in connection with the use of this site. This is a comprehensive limitation of liability that applies to all damages of any kind, including (without limitation) compensatory, direct, indirect or consequential damages, loss of data, income or profit, loss of or damage to property and claims of third parties.
|
