Natural Pain Relief

What is Gout an Introduction
Gout is a serious form of arthritis in which the patient suffers greatly.  The disease can be disabling and is often referred to as the “disease of kings”.  The nickname was derived because gout was often developed in royalty that overindulged in wine and food.  However, gout does not just affect the rich and powerful.  It can affect anyone.  Fortunately, gout is controllable and taking medications.

Risk factors for Gout
Complications that are experienced related to the disease are more pronounced in people, both men and women, after they have gone through their change of life and in persons with kidney disease. Obese persons are more prone to gout, as are those with diabetes, cholesterol and hypertension.

Main Causes of Gout
The main cause of Gout is high levels of uric acid in the body. The uric acid develops into needle-like crystal deposits which form in the joints. This may be result of the kidneys not being able to remove the uric acid from the body properly or because of the increase in production of the uric acid. Uric acid levels are affected by certain foods which are known to produce high levels, such as alcohol and shellfish.
Some medications that we take can also increase uric acid levels in the body.  Examples of medications that  have this effect include:  cyclosporine which is an immunosuppressant used in organ transplantation, hydrochlorothiazide and other diuretics and aspirin.  Over time the high levels of uric acid in the body may lead to the development of the crystals in and around the joints.  The crystals are responsible for causing painful gout attacks as they attract white blood cells.  Kidney stones may also be experience when the deposits are experienced in the urinary tract.

Symptoms of Gout
Single joints are most often the first area where symptoms occur.  The joint will become swollen and painful.

Diagnosis of Gout
Diagnosis occurs once the characteristics of the crystals are found.  Your physician will perform a physical examination and will also extract fluid from an affected joint through a needle.  Once the fluid is extracted, he will then examine the fluid to determine if it has monosodium urate crystals.  In cases of advanced gout, crystals can also be found under the skin.

Treatment of Gout
Medical drugs:  Colchicine is one treatment that is given to patients during early attacks of gout.  However, the drug does have drawbacks which include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and other side effects.  NSAIDS which are drugs such as aspirin that are non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also given.  These medications may cause diarrhea, ulcers and stomach irritation.
Herbal supplements: there are herbal dietary supplements that have been proven to help patients with arthritis, including gout.  The supplement have been researched extensively and contains natural ingredients that are known to help aid and cure arthritis.  The supplement does not have side effects which makes it safe to take even on a long-term basis.  They focus on eliminating the patient’s symptoms and supporting the body’s own healing mechanisms.

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