Gouty arthritis is also known as gout. This article is going to detail the top gouty arthritis treatment methods, as well as some of the causes.

First, however, an overview of gout is necessary. Many people do not realize what it is and thus may not even be sure that they have it. It is a classically misunderstood problem.

Gout is typically characterized by attacks wherein there is a burning kind of pain, a stiffness, and a swelling within certain joints.

The attacks will continue occurring until the gout itself gets properly treated. If left untreated, gout can cause serious harm to the tendons, joints, and various other tissues in the body. Generally, men have gout more often than women.

People who are overweight have a higher chance of getting gout. The same goes if you tend to drink a lot of alcohol, or eat high quantities of fish and meat which have a high purine content.

There are even certain medications, like diuretics, which can cause gout in some people.

Usually, the big toe is where the symptoms of gout which most often occur. The big toe may become tender, it may swell, take on redness, and be the victim of sharp pains.

Other times, gout pains occur in the feet, the ankles, or even the knees. An attack may last for several days or it can go on for weeks.

A physical exam will be done to diagnose gout. Sometimes, fluids from the joints are taken and checked for uric acid crystals.

An abundance of uric acid within the blood is the primary cause for gout. As such, blood tests are also done to diagnose the problem.

Quite often, the treatment of gout can consist of a shot of a medicine called corticosteroid. Sometimes, one or more different medications are prescribed.

As the symptoms begin to lessen, the dose will gradually decrease as well. If the treatment begins quickly, the gout patient will begin to feel relief within twenty four hours.

Otherwise, you can rest the joint which is causing you the most pain. Over the counter anti inflammatory medications can be beneficial as well. However, you should not take aspirin.

It can cause the level of uric acid in your blood to get higher. You also want to manage your diet and stay away from the aforementioned foods whenever possible.

Cut down the amount of alcohol you drink. Make sure you are getting all the healthy nutrients you need.