Gout
#52
Gout, aka gouty arthritis, is a type of inflammatory arthritis. It causes intense pain and swelling in the joints (common places include the big toe, ankle, finger, and knee).
Flare-ups of pain and swelling are called gout attacks, and they usually last around 1-2 weeks. Gout attacks can happen suddenly and be very painful.
Cause
Gout is caused by too much uric acid in your blood, forming needle-like crystals called urate crystals that accumulate in joints and cause pain and inflammation. Uric acid comes from purines, which are chemical compounds that are found in the human body and in many foods such as red meat, seafood, and organ meats.
Symptoms
Symptoms of gout include joint pain (usually at night), inflammation & redness, tenderness, warmth of the joint, and limited range of motion.
Treatment
Because gout is a chronic condition, there is no cure. However, treatments like NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) and prescription medications (corticosteroids, colchicine) can help manage symptoms.
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