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Gout is a disease of the arthritic family but has its own defining descriptions; it comes on with sudden acute attacks with severe pain in the joint of a big toe, although other joints, ankles, knees, elbows, fingers, are the focal site. Arthritis is often slower in escalating into severe pain in and around bones and joints and most often has moderate pain that is continuous. The severest pain in arthritis is upon movement of the connecting joints. If left untreated gout can lead to rheumatoid arthritis, a severe form of inflammatory arthritis.

Gout has a long history. Hippocrates, the Father of Modern Medicine called it the rich man's disease. There is a dietary reason for this: in ancient times only royalty and wealthy land owners could afford to eat meat, at least a lot of meat. Thus these privileged gentlemen gorged themselves on fatted calves, pigs, chickens, and other animal proteins. It is precisely this reason that the blood stream became/becomes overloaded with uric acid. Uric acid is a by product of the synthesis of protein, especially animal protein. When the amount was too much to be broken down in the blood stream into a form that could be processed by the kidneys and passed off as urine, it remained in the blood stream and formed sharp needle-like crystals.

A dump site must be found. The toe most likely is the last resort. It is a dependent joint and the last place before a complete turn-around of the circulatory system. This explanation is not one you will find in medical journals but just think: When a foot walks the largest joint of the big toe, the joint nearest the rest of the foot turns. This friction causes some kind of last resistance and the crystals lodge there. How I come to this description is noticing where debris after flooding gets stuck behind immovable objects.

Other glandular and chemical components come into play here. We know this because more men than women are prone to gout. At least younger men and men of all ages. Women don't often suffer from gout until after menopause. Gout is a treatable disease although if left untreated the problem will dissipate after a week or two. The body's immune system has done its job well and if one is lucky, this could possibly be a one time incident. And too, this means that probably the one afflicted has armed themselves with knowledge on how to prevent further attacks.

If the conditions for further attacks are put into place, too much animal protein, an existing hereditary condition that won't allow for excess uric acid in the blood, or some other shortage or malfunctioning system that is necessary for proper disposal of blood uric acid, then further attacks will happen.

What are preventive measures? A diet low in animal. No one afflicted with gout or in danger of having an attack should eat organ meats such as liver, kidneys, tongue, and brains of animals. Avoid also anchovies, herring, mackerel, asparagus and mushrooms. Eat cherries. Studies have shown that is effective against gout. There are certain chemicals that seem to help gout sufferers. Also, other dark colored fruits, blackberries, raspberries are recommended. Keep your body hydrated. Lack of water means a higher concentration of uric acid.

A causative factor of gout may also be other medications: Some diuretics - fluid removal medication - may interfere with purine - a nitrogen solid from uric acid - synthesis, low dose aspirin and anti-rejection drugs. Purines are naturally found in the body and when these are combined with dietary intakes such as the foods already mentioned often times adds up to too much.

Who are most likely to suffer from gout? Those whose lifestyles are prohibitive. Too much alcohol consumption, untreated high blood pressure, high cholesterol and arteriosclerosis are prone to up the risk factors for gout. These along with familial preconditions, age and gender and those who overeat, especially those who overeat animal protein.

Gout is diagnosed by blood tests and by joint fluid inspirations that are checked for uric acid crystals. The latter is the best method and this can be done in the doctor's office under local anesthesia. Although without these invasive tests those who are prone to large toe pain, even a low level large toe pain, can quite correctly assume they are a candidate for a full blown attack if they continue their own eating habits. Also, if they are prone to joint pains elsewhere that go away after a week or so. These are warning signs and should alert those to either check with their doctor or at least learn more about gout. Prevention, as we all know, remains the best cure.

Another condition that may exist along side gout is the possibility of kidney stones. The stones resulting from uric acid are of a different makeup from those resulting from calcium, and their sources are different, but when the body is attempting to rid itself of them, both cause excruciating pain. That brings up an interesting side note: Diary consumption, with its resultant added calcium is against uric acid formation. Probably it has something to do with the body's acid-base balance, or put another way, its Ph levels. The body in all ways attempts a well balanced condition and when it becomes un-balanced in any of its systems, diseased conditions - temporary and permanent - is seen.

Finally, how is gout treated? Usually doctors subscribe NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen or Aleve. Ibuprofen drugs are Advil, Motrin or simply generic ibuprofen. Both of these drugs can wreck the stomach so don't self-medicate without knowing what their side effects can be. Even if you only suspect gout, your doctor should be informed. They will take the matter from there.

Colchicine, an old gout stand-by is not an over the counter drug but must be prescribed by your physician. It has been used form many years for this particular condition. Its downside is its aggravating side effects which can include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Steroids such as prednisone are sometimes used in treating gout. It does away with the excruciating pain. It is either taken in pill form or injected directly into the fluid surrounding the joint. This is an important medicine that is not to be taken lightly. Steroids are prescribed as a last resort since they are immune system suppressants. Too, they can thin bones and work against wound healing. (To learn more about this disease check out the Mayoclinic online site or Medicinenet.

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