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Conditions

Gout

Inflammation and swelling of a foot joint (Photo courtesy of Jerry Lawrence - Uncle Jerry - flickr)

Nineteenth century American humorist, Ambrose Bierce, defined gout in his Devil’s Dictionary as: “A physician’s name for the rheumatism of a rich patient.” Gout is a form of rheumatic arthritis characterised by recurrent episodes of joint inflammation, but it affects approximately one in 200 adults – most frequently men between 40-60 years of age – whether they are moneyed or not! At any rate, it’s painful. Sufferers have described the pain of an attack as “worse than childbirth” and like being jabbed with a “million tiny white-hot needles.” The pain and swelling of gout are caused by uric acid crystals that deposit in some joints, most notably the big toe, but can also strike the knee, ankle, foot, hand, wrist and elbow. No longer just a “disease of kings”, people who are overweight, have high blood pressure, eat diets rich in protein and consume vast quantities of alcohol have an increased risk of developing gout. And it’s no laughing matter.

What the Men in White Coats Say

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Hi there im wndering if you could help me i have got severe pain in my right hip i went to the doctors and she sent me for an xray and that was clear, then she sent me for a blood test to test for arthritis and that came back clear, pleae im realy worried as the pain gets worse when its cold and sumtimes i cnt bare the pain pls help me thanks

I have a fairly large hard painless lump on my toe (next to big one). My toe is not red or swollen. The lump is underneath the skin and is ever so slightly moveable. I am 29 years old and have never suffered from Gout as far as I know. Could it be Tophi or the start of Gout? Or perhaps a tumour? I am worried after reading up on possibilities, please advise me.

I was diagnosed with gout at 18 years old which is very rare, the pain I agree is completely unbarable. For some reason my body can't break down the uric acid in my blood, but about 10 years ago I was prescribed allupurinol and as long as I drink plenty of water each day, I'm great. Haven't had a single attack in the last 10 years and even the little spot like growths on my ears have cleared up!!! When I did suffer though I also used to find that eating lots of cherrys and having hot baths always helped!!!

'What's the best treatment for gout?'

As other posters have commented, Allopurinol is the drug normally prescribed. It breaks down the build-up of uric acid crystals. In some patients, it provokes an attack of gout when they start taking it, so they are also prescribed a drug called Colchicine, which is very effective in stopping an attck which is already taking place, and preventing the onset of an attack from taking Allopurinol. You would take Colchincine for the first month or so when you start taking Allopurinol. The combo works very well for me.

i have suffed from gout fmom the age of 17yrs when i got my frist attack in my big toe, now 48yrs i get it on knee's/ ankle and some times hips the pain is so bad all i want to do is die.its only now the doctors have diagnosis it as gout, im unable to take any anity inflammation tablets due to my bodie rejects them and puts me into shock,so please god one day there will be a cure for the suffers like myself,because it aint living its hell,3 belts of it so far this year, which can last up to 12/15 days at a time. (HELP)

I have swollen feet, possibly fluid retention or gout. What's the best treatment or is surgery the best option??

I've been on Allopurinol for about eight months now and feeling good – no side effects no pain. Relatively young male 48. didn't get big toe pain but ankle and knee pain for about three years before diagnosis!

Maria

I have regular bouts of renal colic ( passing kidney stones. WOW a bit uncomfortable ) and take Allopurinol to try and reduce my uric acid. Have been on them for years now with no problem to speak of, but occasionally get joint pain. That my treatment for gout. the Doc tells me that diet has not a lot to do with it.

whats the best treatment for gout




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