Treatment for Uric Acid
Gout: The uric acid problem is known as gout. And what is gout? Gout is a condition that is also known as crystal-induced arthritis. The patient suffers from an arthritic condition, in which uric acid crystals get deposited in the joints. While in several patients, gout affects the big toe joint; in other patients it can cause pain in the other joints like the elbow, wrist, hand, foot, ankle and the knee. In some rare cases, gout can also affect the spine, hips or shoulders.
What is uric aid? When our body breaks down waste products known as purines, it forms something called uric acid. Subsequently uric acid is dissolved in the blood and it is flushed out through the kidneys, and then passed out of the body as urine. People who suffer from gout have a high level of uric acid in their blood. The uric acid crystallizes and is deposited in the tissues and joints. When this happens the lining of the joint becomes inflamed, and it leads to severe pain, warmth and redness.
Over the years, the build-up of crystals in the tissues and joints form large deposits, which are known as tophi. These look like lumps that bulge out from under the skin and are near the joints that have been severely affected. These can also be found near the ear, toes, fingers or elbow.
Uric Acid Causes
Causes: Studies have shown that gout is more prevalent in older men than in women. Gout can also affect some menopausal women. In a gout attack, there is swelling and severe pain within 24 hours. Each attack can last for about five days to a week or ten days. While the exact cause of gout is still unknown, health experts believe that gout can be caused due to –
• Some genetic problem in metabolism, where the body produces too much of uric acid, and also retains it.
• Problem in the kidneys due to which it isn’t able to flush out uric acid.
• Certain medicines like thiazide diuretic medications that are administered to patients with heart failure or high blood pressure.
• A purine-rich diet, alcohol abuse, obesity or diseases of the blood-forming organs or blood cells can be some of the other causes of gout.
Treatment: There isn’t any perfect cure for gout. A combination of medications, diet and healthy lifestyle can control the symptoms and prevent attacks.
• If you suffer from uric acid problems, we suggest that you eat less of purine foods such as tripe, kidneys, liver, brain, anchovies, sardines, red meat, beans, lentils, peas, scallops, fish roe, shellfish, tongue or sweet breads.
• Make sure that you drink enough water and non-alcoholic fluids through the day to flush out as much of uric acid from your body.
• Exercise regularly and lose weight if you are over weight.
• You can also take certain medicines, but for this you need to consult your doctor.
