Gout. What exactly is it, its symptoms, and what happens after? Get a quick overview with this 3-minute read.
What is gout?
Gout is a form of arthritis caused by an excess in uric acid, a waste product that is usually removed by the kidneys. It is commonly referred to as the rich’s man disease, because it was believed to be linked to overeating and excessive drinking. However, the truth is that diet only accounts for a small amount of uric acid in your body. Gout is extremely painful and mostly affects men over 40.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptom of gout is extreme pain in the joint of the big toe, even though it can affect any joint in the body. Gout attacks can happen in the middle of the night and can cause difficulty walking or moving around. Here are the symptoms:
- Severe pain in the joint
- Joint becomes extremely sensitive; most people cannot stand the area being touched.
- Redness and swelling around the joint
What are the treatment options?
If you suspect you have gout, you should see a doctor. Untreated cases can lead to more pain and damage, sometimes even causing infection. Your doctor will also prescribe medication, often an anti-inflammatory drug to relieve the pain and help prevent future attacks. In some cases, your doctor might also prescribe medication to control the level of uric acid in your body. You can also limit your intake of alcohol and eat less red meat, organ meats and seafoods—these foods that are high in purines, which raises uric acid in your body.
If you or your loved ones is suffering from gout and would like to seek treatment for it, call our friendly medical concierge at +65 6679 7867, or email us at customercare@tmcg.com.sg. For emergency cases, call our hotline at +65 9168 9693.