Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood, which results in pain in the big toe and other joints. Uric acid is produced during normal metabolism but the body's mechanism for neutralizing it can become inefficient, allowing uric acid levels to rise above 7 mg/dl and form monosodium urate crystals in the joints. When gout attacks develop, the affected area appears red, swollen, and painful, with the pain usually lasting from one day to over two weeks. Lifestyle changes including diet modifications can help control gout attacks and prevent long-term damage if treatment is sought early.

1. Gout Attack

2. Gout is caused by high levels of uric
acid in the blood resulting to pain in
the big toe and other joints.

3. Uric acid is a by-product of natural
metabolism wherein it is usually
neutralized and eliminated
through urine.

4. The neutralizing mechanism of the
body becomes inefficient due to
factors such as heredity, age, sex or
enzyme deficiencies.

5. Gout attacks happen whenever uric
acid levels rise above 7 mg/dl

6. Uric acid turns into monosodium
urate crystals that eventually find
their way into the soft tissue around
the joints.

7. When gout attacks develop the
affected area appears red, swollen
and sensitive to touch.

8. The pain will usually remain for a
day up to about a week and
sometimes more than two weeks.

9. These gout attacks can be controlled
if lifestyle changes are made.

10. Remedies are available to tackle
concerns with gout, whether it be
pain or prevention and for acute or
chronic conditions.

11. Chronic gout issues can cause long
term effects such as permanent soft
tissue damage and joint stiffness.

12. People can live a normal life with
gout if early action is taken and
combined with the right diet,
medication, exercise and lifestyle.

13. Diet for gout should aim to
reduce uric acid levels in the
blood and prevent further
formation of urate crystals.

14. Alcohol is not recommended for
gout as it interferes with metabolism
and leads to a build up of uric acid
in the blood.

15. Seek appropriate treatments to
take control of gout otherwise
these attacks will only get
worse over time.