GOUT is a common form of inflammatory arthritis that is very painful. It usually affects one joint at a time (often the big toe joint). When your body has extra uric acid, sharp crystals can form in your joints (usually your big toe). There are times when symptoms get worse, known as flares, and times when there are no symptoms, known as remission.

HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR GOUT

Homoeopathic medicines are highly effective in treating cases of high uric acid and gout. These medicines work by reducing overproduction of uric acid in the body and where need be, by accelerating the removal of this waste product through kidneys. Symptoms like pain, swelling, tenderness in the affected joints are manageable with these medicines and also prevents the recurrence of these episodes. Homoeopathy is based on the principle of individualisation and symptom similarity by using holistic approach. The approach involves evaluation of the individual factors inclusive of personal and family history. Following this, the treatment for excess uric acid can help treat chronic tendency to develop frequent episodes of gout. 

KNOW YOUR DISEASE

Gout is caused by a condition known as hyperuricemia. This is when there is too much uric acid in the body. The body makes uric acid when it breaks down purines, which are found in your body and the foods you eat. When there is too much uric acid in the body, uric acid crystals can build up in joints, fluids, and tissues within the body. Hyperuricemia does not always cause gout. People who have hyperuricemia but do not have gout symptoms do not need medical treatment. 

Gout most commonly affects your big toe joint. But it can affect other joints, including your knees, ankles, feet, hands, wrists and elbows.

SYMPTOMS OF GOUT

Gout attacks are very painful and can happen suddenly, often overnight. During a gout attack, symptoms in your affected joints may include.

• Intense pain.
• Discoloration or redness.
• Stiffness.
• Swelling.
• Tenderness, even to a light touch (like a bedsheet covering your affected joint).
• Warmth, or a feeling like the joint is “on fire.”

WHO ARE AT RISK FACTORS OF HAVING GOUT?

Gout can affect anyone. Males are three times more likely to develop gout. Females usually don’t experience gout until after menopause. People with certain health conditions are more likely to develop gout, including:

• Overweight or obesity.
• Congestive heart failure.
• Diabetes.
• Hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Kidney disease.
• Blood cancer.

You’re more likely to experience gout if you.

• Have a biological parent or grandparent who has gout.
• Eat a lot of animal proteins — especially animal flesh, shellfish and foods that contain organ meat.
• Drink alcohol regularly.
• Take a diuretic medication (water pills).
• Take immuno - suppressants.

WHICH FOODS CAUSE GOUT?

Eating or drinking foods high in purines are more likely to lead to high uric acid levels in your body that cause gout, including:

• Sugary drinks and sweets. Standard table sugar is half fructose (fruit sugar), which breaks down into uric acid. Any food or drink with high sugar content can trigger gout.
• High fructose corn syrup. This is a concentrated form of fructose. Packaged food products and processed snacks can contain lots of high fructose corn syrup.
• Alcohol. Even though not all alcoholic drinks are high in purines, alcohol prevents your kidneys from eliminating uric acid, pulling it back into your body, where it continues to accumulate.
• Organ meats. These include liver, tripe, sweetbreads, brains and kidneys.
• Certain seafood. Herring, scallops, mussels, codfish, tuna, trout and haddock.
• Red meat. Beef, lamb, pork and bacon.

DIAGNOSIS OF GOUT

A doctor diagnoses gout by assessing your symptoms and the results of your physical examination, X-rays, and lab tests. Gout can only be diagnosed during a flare when a joint is hot, swollen, and painful and when a lab test finds uric acid crystals in the affected joint. 

HOW CAN I MANAGE A GOUT ATTACK? When you have a gout attack, you can manage your symptoms by.

• Avoiding alcohol and sweet drinks.
• Drinking plenty of water.
• Elevating your affected joints above the level of your heart as often as you can.
• Icing your joints. Wrap an ice pack in a thin towel or put a cold compress on your joint for 15-20 minutes at a time a few times a day.
• Limiting stress on your joint by avoiding intense exercise or physical activities.

LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES

Medications are often the most effective way to treat gout attacks and prevent recurrent symptom flares. However, lifestyle choices also are important, and you may want to.

• Choose healthier beverages. Limit alcoholic beverages and drinks sweetened with fruit sugar (fructose). Instead, drink plenty of non-alcoholic beverages, especially water.
• Avoid foods high in purines. Red meat and organ meats, such as liver, are especially high in purines. Purine-rich seafood includes anchovies, sardines, mussels, scallops, trout and tuna. Low-fat dairy products may be a better source of protein for people prone to gout.
• Exercise regularly and lose weight. Keeping your body at a healthy weight reduces your risk of gout. Choose low-impact activities such as walking, bicycling and swimming — which are easier on your joints.

AN OUTLOOK ON GOUT- BY DR. SMRITI’S HOMOEOPATHIC HEALING

Gout is a painful form of arthritis. Extra uric acid in your body creates sharp crystals that collect in your joints, causing pain, swelling and other symptoms. Homoeopathic medicines and change in your diet can help you treat this condition effectively and safely without any side effects. Homoeopathy treatment for excess uric acid can help treat chronic tendency to develop frequent episodes of gout and also helps in controlling the pain during acute attack. Several remedies are available to treat gout that can be selected on the basis of individualisation and symptom similarity. For individualized remedy selection and treatment, the patient should consult a qualified homoeopathic doctor in person.