Gouty arthritis (also known as gout) can occur when increased levels of uric acid build up in the blood. This eMedTV page gives statistics on how often this form of arthritis occurs and who it affects, and also covers its symptoms and diagnosis.
Having too much uric acid in the blood is the cause of gout. This eMedTV resource lists some of the reasons why uric acid can build up in the blood, as well as some gout risk factors (such as having hyperthyroidism or diabetes insipidus).
Joint swelling and a sudden onset of intense joint pain are a few common gout symptoms. This eMedTV page covers common places where signs and symptoms of this condition occur (such as the big toe) and factors that can trigger an acute gout attack.
This eMedTV segment explains why it can be difficult to diagnose gout. The article also covers some of the tests and procedures that a healthcare provider may use when making a diagnosis, including a blood test to look at uric acid levels.
Some of the ways to prevent gout include exercising regularly and eating a healthy, well-balanced diet. This eMedTV offers an overview of prevention strategies, as well as a list of risk factors for gout.
The first step in treating gout is making an accurate diagnosis. This eMedTV page lists drugs commonly used as treatments, including NSAIDs (which treat acute gout) and allopurinol (which can prevent future gout attacks).
Commonly prescribed medicines for gout include NSAIDs and colchicine. This selection from the eMedTV archives offers an in-depth look at the products that are used to treat gout and to prevent future attacks of gout.
A diet for people with gout aims to reduce the amount of uric acid in the body. As this eMedTV article explains, gravy, liver, and trout are a few of the foods to avoid if you have gout. Fruits and diary are among the foods you can eat as desired
While you may find products on the Internet that claim to cure gout, there is currently no cure. But as this eMedTV page explains, you can take steps to help prevent gout (like maintaining a healthy weight), as well as keep it under control.
This eMedTV page covers the four stages of gout -- asymptomatic hyperurecemia, acute gout, interval or intercritical gout, and chronic tophaceous gout. This page takes a closer look at the stages and explains how they are different.
Being male, being overweight, and drinking too much alcohol are some of the risk factors for gout. This eMedTV page takes a closer look at these risk factors and explains the importance of keeping uric acid levels from getting too high.
There are no foods that cause gout. But this eMedTV page lists some foods that can raise the risk of developing gout (such as liver and other organ meats), and also explains how diet can contribute to gout attacks in people who already have gout.
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