GOUT

Gout is one of the commonest forms of arthritis (joint inflammation). It appears as an acute attack often coming on overnight. It is caused by localized deposits of uric acid salts in the body that cannot be excreted by the kidneys. Within 12-24 hours there is severe pain and swelling in the affected joint. The skin over the joint may be red and shiny. Its cause may be genetic.

Gout usually affects only one or two joints at a time - most often the feet and ankles. The ball of the big toe is the commonest site.When patients first develop gout there may be intervals of many months or even years between attacks. As time goes by, these tend to become more frequent and more severe and eventually many joints may be involved. sometimes all at the same time. At this stage a state of chronic or continuous joint disease may develop with progressive joint damage. disability and crippling (chronic gout). Gout affects mostly men and is very rare in women until after the menopause when it is quite often seen. Some surveys have shown it to be present in up to 10% of adult males.

Treatment:

One course of treatment takes about one month. Patients are generally 80 to 100 percent better. If condition is severe it may take more than one course of treatment. Patients will feel relief even after one treatment.