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Last Updated: Jul 2nd, 2008 - 21:15:22 |
(NAPSI)-Gout affects more than five million Americans. It is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis in men over age 40 and commonly occurs in women after menopause.
Gout occurs when uric acid present in the body forms crystals in the joints or soft tissue. These crystals, which are needle-like in shape, can cause an attack or inflammatory response leading to swelling, redness, heat, pain and tenderness in the affected joints.
"As a doctor, I know how painful and debilitating gout can be for patients; and if the condition is not managed, gout can result in joint damage over time," said Dr. Zorba Paster, a primary care physician in Madison, Wis.
Gout attacks most often occur in the big toe but also can occur in the ankles, insteps, heels, knees, wrists, fingers, and elbows. Attacks usually happen at night, suddenly waking a person from sleep. Gout attacks can last for three to 14 days.
The primary risk factor for gout is hyperuricemia, a condition characterized by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is a by-product created when the body metabolizes, or breaks down, naturally occurring substances called purines.
Purines are not only a part of all human tissue, but they are contained in many foods and beverages, such as bacon, beer, beans, liver, and shellfish. The excess accumulation of uric acid in the body may result from either producing too much uric acid, excreting too little of it, or a combination of the two.
Gout is often associated with other health problems, such as obesity, kidney (renal) dysfunction, and alcohol abuse. Several potential triggers for a gout attack include stress, trauma, excessive alcohol, infection, or surgery.
"Many people seek treatment during an acute attack without understanding that gout is a chronic condition that needs to be managed long-term with ongoing treatment," said Paster.
Gout treatment involves therapies that either manage hyperuricemia or treat an acute gout attack. In treating chronic gout and its underlying hyperuricemia, therapy is aimed at reducing uric acid levels by eliminating uric acid through increased excretion by the kidneys or by decreasing production of uric acid. Treatment for acute gout attacks focuses only on the relief of symptoms.
Along with taking medication to control hyperuricemia, patients are often encouraged to make lifestyle changes such as losing weight, reducing consumption of purine-containing foods, and limiting alcohol consumption. However, dietary restrictions are typically not enough and additional treatment is required.
For more information on gout, visit www.gout.com.
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