Most people do not realize that there are so many different types of arthritis. Many people believe arthritis is mostly an "old person's disease," which attacks our joints as we age. While this form of arthritis -- called "osteoarthritis" -- is the most common, there are more than 100 other types.
Gout Symptoms
People may not even realize that gout is a form of arthritis, but the word "arthritis" simply means "swollen joint." In gout, while most of the joints of the lower body (knees, ankles, feet and toes) can show symptoms, the disease often seems to start with extreme pain and swelling in one or both big toes.
Gout symptoms can also strike other joints, including the spine, elbows, shoulders and hands/wrists. Like some other types of arthritis, gout can also sometimes affect the skin, muscles and tendons. But the big toe seems to be the center of most gout attacks, which can be extremely painful. The toes can also appear stretched, bruised and yellowed or reddened. When gout attacks become chronic and severe, they can make it very difficult for the patient to wear shoes and to walk without help.
Gout Causes
The fundamental cause of gout is a buildup of uric acid in the blood, which is called "hyperuricemia." Most uric acid is made naturally by the body, but about one third of the uric acid in a person's system comes from the food they eat and drink.
Most people's bodies naturally rid themselves of excess uric acid. But in some people, the kidneys are not able to process all the uric acid produced, especially if they eat a diet high in vegetable oils and rich, fatty foods. On the other hand, drinking plenty of water and eating a healthier diet rich in potassium can reduce gout symptoms naturally.
When uric acid builds up in the body, it forms crystals, which can lead to gout attacks. These attacks can happen frequently or be few and far between, and they can be very severe or less so. But if nothing is done to treat gout, the attacks will keep getting worse and more frequent.
Foods for Gout Patients to Avoid
Fried foods, fatty fish, and other generally greasy, fatty and rich foods are all to be avoided when battling gout. The disease was once known as "the disease of kings," because in medieval times, only the rich were prone to gout. That's because only the wealthy could afford the rich meats and fish that can lead to gout in some people.
Quite a few foods contain purines, the substances that create uric acid buildup, including pork, beef, chicken, turkey, salmon, tuna, oysters, scallops, creams, eggs, peas and beans. Anchovies, sardines and caviar are suspect, as are organ meats such as heart and kidney. But no one has to stop eating all of these foods -- nor should they. What's important is to eat a healthy and balanced diet. Again, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol consumption. There is also evidence that shows smoking can aggravate symptoms of gout.
A Good Diet for Those with Gout
As part of that balanced diet, people with gout should eat plenty of foods that are rich in potassium -- which helps the body to get rid of excess uric acid. Foods high in potassium include:
- bananas
- cherries
- strawberries
- avocados
- apricots
- cantaloupe
- spinach
- potatoes
- asparagus
- pumpkin
- beets
Treatment for Gout
For some people, changing their diet, drinking plenty of water and limiting alcohol consumption is enough to control gout symptoms. Gout patients may also treat the symptoms with pain medication and anti-inflammatories under a doctor's supervision. Gout is usually treated by a rheumatologist, an internal medicine doctor who specializes in the rheumatic diseases.
Other patients do need additional medication to treat gout:
- Diuretics -- sometimes called "fluid pills" or "water pills" -- are medications that help the body get rid of excess fluid. Taking diuretics while eating a better diet and drinking a lot of water can help flush some of the excess uric acid from the gout patient's system.
- Certain prescription medications are specifically made to target uric acid buildup. These medicines, such as allopurinol, probenecid, or Uloric (a relatively new brand-name drug), are intended to bring down the patient's uric acid level over time and keep it in a healthy range.
Anyone who thinks he or she may have gout is encouraged to see a doctor and to make any lifestyle changes, even dietary changes, under a doctor's care. Gout symptoms sometimes can flare up temporarily when treatment begins, and a doctor can prescribe painkillers and other short-term medicines to control the attacks. But over time, with a doctor's help, a healthy and balanced diet and medication as needed, most people can reduce or in many cases even eliminate their gout symptoms.
For More Information:
Sources:
- Gout & Uric Acid Education Society
- Gouthelper.org
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals patient information brochure
Robin Mayhall - I'm a versatile writer and editor with more than 20 years of experience, and I personally battle rheumatoid arthritis.
