| Since ancient times, arthritis has been documented and | | | | differ in pain ranging from soreness to severe pain and |
| was referred to as "the disease of the kings" by | | | | total body immobility. |
| Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. He called | | | | A gout attack begins without warning and with it, brings |
| it this because Gout is usually associated with a rich | | | | symptoms which include severe pain, soreness to the |
| dietary intake. This is the case, in part, but there are | | | | touch, redness, warmness and swelling within the joint |
| various other factors which cause Gout. | | | | of the large toe. The instep, heels, ankles, knees, wrists, |
| Gout is known to be quite painful and, at times, | | | | fingers and elbows can also be affected. The spine, |
| completely debilitating. The pain is generated by razor | | | | hips and shoulders are rarely affected. In general the |
| sharp crystals that have been deposited in the tissue | | | | attack will settle in a 3 to 10 day period. It may take |
| or fluid within a joint. The crystals are made from uric | | | | months or years for another attack to occur. |
| acid, a material created when purines are broken | | | | Unfortunately, attacks of gout grow more severe in |
| down by the body. Purines are found in the tissues of | | | | their intensity over periods of time. They can also last |
| the body and within the foods we consume. A great | | | | longer and affect numerous joints. |
| deal of uric acid is carried by the bloodstream into the | | | | Also, it is possible that the attacks will occur more |
| kidneys. The kidneys then eliminate the uric acid | | | | frequently. Gout sometimes manifests as nodules on |
| through the process of urination. On the other hand, | | | | hands or ears and the symptoms can vary. Left |
| when too much uric acid is produced by the body, or | | | | untreated, gout can damage joints and the kidneys and |
| when the kidneys are not expelling enough of it, the | | | | cause permanent disability. With the help of traditional |
| bloodstream begins to see a accumulation. This is | | | | and natural remedies, most are able to control the |
| known as hyperuricemia and can sometimes lead to | | | | symptoms. There are various pharmaceutical |
| gout. | | | | medications for the treatment of gout which can |
| Gout has 4 stages or types. They are (1) | | | | alleviate pain and prevent further attacks. Gout |
| Asymptomatic, (2) Acute, (3) Interval and (4) Chronic | | | | treatment also helps prevent the possibilities of long |
| Tophaceous. Left untreated all are dangerous and | | | | term damage and disabilities. |