Gout is one of medicine's oldest documented conditions and was, until recently, one of the least understood.

Gout is a condition that can cause great pain as a result of inflammation of the joints. Most commonly affected joints include hands and wrists, and ankles and feet. Very frequently the big toe is affected. This misunderstood condition was once thought of as a disease of the rich and those who ate too much.

Why Do People Get Gout?

When the body produces too much uric acid, and this acid forms crystals that build up in the joints, gout is the result. The painful inflammation of the joints is the result of this accumulation of uric acid crystals. The negative image of gout being associated with over indulgence has definitely dissipated. The medical community and the general public are far more knowledgeable that they were and have come to realize that gout is a painful, yet treatable, medical condition.

How Do You Know if You Have Gout?

You may recognize gout by the suddenness with which the symptoms appear. You may feel fine before you go to sleep at night, but wake up with pain. Generally the joints are affected. They may be swollen, to the point of being shiny and reddish. And, of course, there will likely be substantial pain. The painful area may also feel hot, similar to an infection. If you notice that you have lumps developing around your heels, ears, or elbows, you may also have gout. These lumpy areas are also the result of uric acid build up. Victims of gout also sometimes report painful kidney stones.

If untreated gout can cause severe and permanent joint damage. If you suspect that you have gout, the best course of action would be to go to the doctor right away. Some people who have an attack of gout never experience another attack. The less fortunate suffer attacks over the course of their lives. Remember, though, the pain of these attacks can be treated.

To ensure proper diagnosis, it is important to go to your doctor. You will likely have a physical exam and some tests to identify that you have gout, as opposed to another type of arthritis. It can be difficult to distinguish just from the physical exam. It may be necessary for you to have a blood test to see how much uric acid is in your blood. It is also possible that your doctor will wish to test the fluid in your joints to determine the presence of uric acid crystals.

The Treatment of Gout

Over half a million people in the United States suffer from gout. Fortunately, there are many different treatment options available to bring relief to these patients. Treatment of gout has a very strong success rate. The first step is usually for the doctor to prescribe medication, like allopurinol, to control the amount of uric acid produced by the body. Your doctor may also prescribe colchicines to help relieve the pain and inflammation caused by gout. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, are commonly given, however Aspirin is not a recommended treatment. Proper diet and exercise are also important factors in treating gout.

If you suspect that you have gout, it is important that you speak with your doctor to be properly diagnosed. You can begin proper, healthful treatment as soon as you have been properly diagnosed. There is no point in waiting. See your doctor as soon as you can.