Gout is a medical condition wherein a specific part (or parts) of your body has grown swollen or is severely affected by arthritis . Common symptoms besides being swollen are reddening of the skin and a hot sensation on the affected part . The big toe is most commonly the affected part, but it can affect other parts of the body as well .
High uric acid levels usually cause gout, as high acid levels can cause the blood to crystallize, forming it into a single mass which is then deposited to the affected part . High levels of uric acid can be caused by the following :
– Alcoholism, or addiction to alcoholic beverages
– Eating too much red meat and oily foods
– Dehydration
– Taking medicines or supplements that cause the uric acid levels to increase
– A hereditary disease, or due to one’s race, as British and Black Americans are more commonly affected by gout compared to other races
Should you experience a hot and itchy sensation on the affected part, you should seek help from a doctor . Rheumatologists are preferred as they are quite knowledgeable with arthritis, which is one of the root causes of gout . However, in the case that you don’t have easy access to a doctor, or a hospital, you should do these for first-aid :
– Keep the swollen joint elevated . Have the joint raised to at least chest level.
– An ice pack can help you cool down the hot and itchy sensation of the affected area . This helps in keeping the affected part from being swollen as well .
– Take care not to get dehydrated. Drink 8 glasses per day to keep yourself hydrated .
– Cherry juice can be a good first-aid for gout. Drinking cherry juice can also help reduce the severity of gout attacks .
– Arthritis may hamper your gout remedies .
The symptoms and signs should go away within a week or two. If the symptoms and signs are still there, go to a hospital and have it checked immediately, as this might be more complicated than just gout. Remember not to neglect this, as failure to immediately address this condition can lead to even more problems in the future . If treated sooner or later, it might require surgery and several operations before it can be treated, so be wise and have it treated as soon as possible .
