Fast Facts about Gout
- In 2010, there were 4.98 million cases of ambulatory care visits in the US pertaining to Gout.
- Out of the 38.6 million hospitalizations in America, in the year 2010, 2.35 accounted for gout and related crystal arthropathies.
- Statistics show that people with African-American ancestries are twice as prone to gout as their other American counterparts.
- Men have a greater risk of getting gout than women. The men to women ratio stands at 3.3:1
- According to a 2007-2008 survey, there were 8.3 individuals suffering from gout in America.
- The prevalence can be accounted as 2% in women and 5.9% in men.
Gout is a specific form of arthritis. This complex medical condition is characterized by severe pain attacks in the joints that happen all of a sudden. The area around the affected joints may become tender and red. The big toe is often the joint that is most susceptible to this medical condition. The condition can affect almost anyone at all. Women are most likely to get gout following menopause.
People often describe a gout attack as the sensation that their joint, often the big toe, is on fire. The sharp pain occurs suddenly, while you’re walking or resting. The pain becomes so intolerable that even the weight of a regular sheet may feel too much o a burden
Thankfully, it is possible to treat gout. Also, if caution is practiced, there are ways in which one can reduce the possibility of a gout recurrence.
Symptoms
Gout may occur anytime. It usually occurs out of the blue and mostly at night. You may not know you have a gout condition unless it’s too late. There are however, certain signs that warn you of the condition. These signs include:
- Excruciating pain in the joint.
- Extreme discomfort even after the pain subsides.
- Redness and inflammation around the joint.The affected region often swells up and becomes warm, red and tender.
- Restricted joint mobility or range of motion
It is important to see a doctor if you’re experiencing these conditions continuously. Also, if pain or inflammation in a certain joint intensifies out of a sudden, consult a healthcare specialist immediately.
Recommended Supplements
While eating a healthy diet and regular exercise helps to manage Gout, it is not enough to keep you fit and healthy. Supplements are essential for managing Gout and reducing its symptoms. But it should be kept in mind that supplements should not be used to replace the treatment for Gout. It is not always true that natural products are safe for use. Many products can react with your body and produce an adverse reaction. Thus, it is better to be safe and consult your before starting to use any supplements for managing your condition.
The following supplements have proven to benefit people with Gout:
Dandelion
Gout is caused by the buildup of uric acid around the joints. Dandelion is an effective diuretic herb that has been used for decades as a natural treatment for gout. Being diuretic, dandelion increase the urine output of your body allowing the excess uric acid to flush out and hence reducing the pain and inflammation caused by the condition.
Cat's Claw
Like most other arthritic conditions, gout is also characterized by constant inflammation in the affected joint. Cat’s claw possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties that reduces the burning sensation and relieves the resulting pain from it. It also strengthens the immune system that prevents the recurrence of gout.
Quercetin Relief
Another product that has great efficacy for gout is the Quercetin Relief. Quercetin stabilizes the body cells responsible for release histamine. Histamine acts as an anti-inflammatory substance that inhibits the inflammation occurring because of gout and reduces the pain
Devil's Claw
This herb of South African origin has been used by the locals for years to treat arthritic conditions. This herb and its efficacy for gout, was first discovered by the Europeans. The devil’s claw is a natural pain-killer that relieves even the most excruciating pains resulting from different types of arthritis.
Gravel Root
This medicinal herb has over 40 species. Just like the dandelion plant, gravel root is also a natural diuretic that increase the output and frequency of urine. This helps the body get rid of excess uric acid that is the main cause of gout.
The above natural supplements are known to help in controlling and managing Gout, but you should exercise proper caution and ask your doctor before adding any such supplements for in your diet. Herbs have lasting and strong effects on the body and can also interact with other drugs and medications, causing dangerous and adverse reactions. If you use any medication for your disease, talk to your doctor before you decide to start any supplements or herbal products to manage your health condition.