What?   

    Gout is a form of arthritis which is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in joints. In this condition, due to a metabolic dysfunction, there is deposition of uric acid in and around the joints causing severe painfulness, swelling and restricted mobility of the affected joint. Men are more likely to get gout. Typical symptoms begin in ones late 30-40 s

Causes:

•    Certain conditions related to diet, eating a diet rich in meat and seafood (high-purine foods), and drinking too much alcohol and being overweight
•    Medicines that may increase uric acid concentration, such as regular use of aspirin or niacin or using medicines that reduce the amount of salt and water in the body
•    Major illness or certain medical conditions, such as lesser high blood pressure and increased cholesterol

What happens in gout :-

Gout is associated with unusually high levels of uric acid, a waste product found naturally in the bloodstream.  In addition, high levels of uric acid in the blood may also cause crystals.  These are called urate crystals; they form and reside in the fluid around the joints.  When white blood cells, our warriors of immunity, encircle and assault the urate crystals, it results in redness, pain and puffiness

Symptoms:

•    Warmth, pain, swelling, and extreme tenderness in a joint, usually a big toe joint. The pain often starts during the night. It may get worse quickly, last for hours, and be so intense that even light pressure from a sheet is intolerable.
•    Very red or purplish skin around the affected joint. The joint may appear to be infected.
•    Limited movement in the affected joint.
•    Peeling and itching of the skin around the affected joint as the gout gets better.
•    Chronic gout in older adults may be less painful and can be confused with other forms of arthritis.

Gout has four distinct stages:

•    Acute phase: Acute complaints described above occur for a brief period
•    Chronic: Gout attacks may become frequent during this phase and the condition may affect many joints at a time (polyarticular). Tophi formation may also be seen.

Diagnosis :-

Gout is often diagnosed based on your symptoms and a physical examination of the affected area.
Blood tests can determine uric acid levels, albeit these levels are often normal during an episode

Homeopathic treatment

    Having understood that Gout is caused by the constitutional factors, it calls for constitutional approach towards its treatment. The constitutional approach involves evaluation of the individual factors inclusive of one's personal and family history (ascertaining the genetic tendency), while planning a long-term treatment. Homeopathic approach to Gout treatment is more of a totalistic approach. Homeopathy helps in controlling the pain during the acute attack of gout as well as helps in preventing the recurrence of such episodes. It helps in reducing stiffness and improves the mobility of the joints. Homeopathy is very strongly suggested for the treatment of Gout.

Self tip:

•    Rest the affected joint until the attack eases and for 24 hours after the attack.
•    Elevate painful joints.
•    Use ice to reduce swelling.
•    Control your weight. Being overweight increases your risk. If you are overweight, a diet that is low in fat may help you lose weight. But avoid fasting or very low-calorie diets. Very low-calorie diets increase the amount of uric acid produced by the body and may bring on a gout attack.
•    Follow a moderate exercise program.
•    Limit alcohol, especially beer. Alcohol can reduce the release of uric acid by the kidneys into your urine, causing an increase of uric acid in your body. Beer, which is rich in purines, appears to be worse than some other beverages that contain alcohol
•    Limit meat and seafood. Diets high in meat and seafood (high-purine foods) can raise uric acid levels. Ex- organ meat, red meat, mushroom, spinach, lentils, cauliflower.
•    Consume – purine neutralising food like fresh fruits, cherries, strawberries.