Gout: Symptoms & Treatments

by Calyn Ehid
Gout is a type of arthritis that affects many people. It tends to impact middle-age and elderly people, though young adults and even children can also develop gout. The condition is characterized by aggressive bouts of pain in a person’s joints, most often in the joint located in the big toe. This article will provide general info on
gout gout symptoms gout treatments.

Warning Symptoms

Many gout sufferers can feel an attack coming on. Some warning signs are burning, tingling or itching in a joint. This usually occurs about 1-2 hours before the joint pain begins. However, it’s important to note that some people report no prior warning signs. If you have gout, you may simply feel a sudden and intense pain in one of your joints.

Gout Symptoms

Aggressive joint pain is the most common symptom of gout. The pain may appear in any of your joints, though in most cases it occurs in the big toe. The pain is often described as most severe when it first occurs, though the pain may lessen after several hours. Other signs and symptoms of gout are as follows:

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness
  • Limited range of motion in the affected joints
  • Warm feeling in the joint

Even after the initial pain subsides, people with gout may still experience some lingering discomfort in their joints. This pain and discomfort may last for several days or even weeks.

Gout Treatments

There is no cure for gout, but gout gout symptoms gout treatments are easy to find since the condition is such a common ailment. Several popular home treatments can ease the pain. For instance, you could apply a cold ice pack to a joint. Wrap a few pieces of ice in a towel and apply it to the skin to ease pain.

Another popular yet basic treatment is to keep the joint elevated. For instance, if you have a knee or big toe affected by gout, you could elevate it on a pillow while lying or sitting down. Be sure to rest your joints when you feel a gout attack. Sometimes rest and plenty of drinking water will help improve symptoms.

To reduce your risk of flare-ups, you could limit your intake of high purine foods, such as certain seafoods, liver and fatty foods. You should also limit your intake of high fructose drinks and beer. A physician may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers to treat gout. Be sure to take any prescribed medications as directed.

In short, there’s no cure for gout. However, you can help relieve pain by elevating your joints, drinking an adequate amount of water, and applying a cold pack. If you have a gout flare-up that lasts longer than a week, consult your doctor. You should also see a doctor the first time you experience joint pain. A physician can check for other potential health problems and make a proper diagnosis.