Gout symptoms and Causes

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A gout symptom can come on very suddenly and with no warnings. It is best to start treating gout immediately, or it can become more painful and lead to joint deformities. (Natural remedies for gout are discussed below). A typical gout symptom includes:

Rapid severe pain in the big toe is the most common gout symptom.

The affected joints can become very tender and swollen, and can feel warm.

The skin on the joint turns reddish.

Most painful attacks last a few hours to a few days. In rare cases, it can last weeks.

Some people experience other illness symptoms such as fever or chills, and an increased heartbeat.

The inflammation from the uric crystals can lead to bursitis

Causes of gout:

Although heredity can be a factor in the occurrence of gout, there are other causes that can lead to an increase of uric acid in the blood. They include:

Being overweight, excessive alcohol consumption, and irregular kidney function all increase the risk of getting gout.

Certain drugs are known to cause uric levels to rise. They include insulin, some antibiotics, cyclosporine, low dose aspirin, and others. This is another reason that gout natural remedies have become so popular.

Recent surgery.

Injury to a joint.

High blood pressure.

Low thyroid hormone levels, known as hypothyroidism.

Consumption of foods with high levels of purines. Purines are the chemicals in food that are metabolized by the body into uric acid. Foods known to increase uric acid include shellfish, organ meat (liver, kidney), red meat, alcohol, dried peas, creamy sauces and anchovies.