Gout Signs Symptoms

Imagine enjoying a blissful sleep and suddenly an alligator has gotten hold of your big toe and is biting it! Then the alligator disappears and your foot bursts into flames. You awake in agony because -- whilst the alligator may have been a dream -- you are experiencing the reality of gout signs symptoms.

You see, the vast majority of gout attacks occur when you are asleep and appear in the big toe. In some instances, gout can also appear in your other toes, your ankles, knees, hips and elbows. These are all joint areas, because the pain is caused by crystals of monosodium urate being deposited on the articular cartilage of the joints. The tendons and surrounding tissues can also be affected.

Gout pain is characterized by an excruciating and burning sensation in the affected joint, possibly accompanied by swelling and redness of the surrounding area. In fact the joint will become so tender even the weight of a light bed sheet will be unbearable.

Gout has been aptly called "A King's Disease", because only kings and wealthy nobles could buy the rich meats and other rich foods that proceed a gout attack.

Nowadays, almost anyone eating a rich Western diet can experience gout signs and symptoms.

Here are the highest "at risk" groups:

* Men between the ages of 40 and 50.

* Women after the menopause.

* Men or women who have received an organ transplant.

And you can add to the risk with a diet rich in:

* Red meat.

* Kidneys, liver or other offal.

* Anchovies, mackerel, sardines or herrings?

* Beer, spirits, soda, colas and tea and coffee, with very little pure water drunk.

If you can answer "Yes" to some or all of the above, it's a safe bet you have gout.

The shock of an unexpected gout attack can send you straight to your doctor. And there are a range of pharmaceuticals to combat the symptoms, starting from a general anti-inflammatory painkiller, such as Ibuprofen, and moving on to more specific gout medications. Unfortunately they often come with some unpleasant side effects, ranging from abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting to brittle bones.

Fortunately, you can avoid costly -- and, possibly, harmful -- medications that only tackle gout signs and symptoms by using gout natural remedies to bring immediate relief from the pain and then deal with the root cause of the problem.

© copyright 2009 FoodPhysician.com all rights reserved, reproduction forbidden.