GOUT SYMPTOMS

LICKHEREtogetridofyourgoutsymptomsforever

James Gillray possibly had a very personal encounter with

gout symptoms

when he drew this cartoon,

‘TheGout’

in 1799. If you ever felt like Satan himself wasferociously gnawing at your big toe or possibly some other joint in your body, then chances are very good you suffer from “the dreaded” gout (also called

metabolic arthritis)

.Unless you are absolutely convinced that the dark lordhas a personal vendetta against you, a more viableexplanation could be suggested.Gout or

gouty arthritis

is typically caused by the build upof uric acid in the blood stream. Uric acid is an organiccompound normally produced by the human body in verysmall amounts. It is when abnormally higher levels of uricacid in the blood stream are found when gout could make ‘his’ devilish appearance. Thesehigher levels of uric acid can reach a point where uric acid crystals (monosodium urate), or put differently, millions of tiny pieces of glass, are deposited in the joint spaces. Obviously joints are made to move, which in turn causes major irritation as the pieces of crystalessentially make tiny incisions in the affected area, possibly causing major inflammation. Gouttherefore is a sure symptom and sign of high levels of uric acid found in the blood stream.

igure

What are typical Gout Symptoms and sure signs?

1.Usually the big toe joint is attacked first. The smaller toe joints could possibly followsuit. Other areas like the knee or elbow are also prone.2.Excruciating and burning pain. What is meant by ‘excruciating’ is that even theslightest touch can be extremely painful.3.This pain can be very sudden and unannounced. It can be gone as soon as it cameonly to return once again abruptly.4.Erythema (redness) around the affected area, as well as swelling, warmness andstiffness – see figure 2.