Page 16 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • June 19, 2013 Though many people might have heard of gout, few might actually know gout is a type of arthritis. Although less prevalent than other types of arthritis, gout is still somewhat common and can be quite painful just like any other arthritis. Gout is most common in men and can run in families, so concerned men and women would be wise to understand gout to reduce their risks of developing this condition. Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when uric acid builds up in the blood, causing inflammation of the joints. The big toe often bears the initial brunt of the pain resultant from gout, which can cause sudden attacks of burning, pain, and stiffness. If these attacks go untreated, they A beginner’s guide to understanding gout can harm joints, tendons, and other tissues. Acute gout will be painful, but likely only affect one joint. Chronic gout may involve more than one joint and is characterized by repeated episodes of pain and inflammation. What causes uric acid to build up in the body is not always known. The body can simply make too much uric acid or have difficulty getting rid of it. When too much uric acid builds up in the fluid around the joints, uric acid crystals can form, causing inflammation and swelling of the joints. Just because a person has high uric acid in the blood does not mean he or she has gout. In fact, many people have higher-than-normal levels of uric acid and never develop gout. The people most susceptible to gout are those who are overweight or drink excessive amounts of alcohol. People with diabetes, sickle cell anemia or other anemias, kidney disease, leukemia and other blood cancers may also be more susceptible to gout. Gout is more common in men, but women, especially those who have been through menopause, can still develop gout. Some medicines, including diuretics, can also bring on gout. When a person is suffering from gout, the pain will often begin suddenly during the night. This pain can be significant, and many who have had gout have described the pain as throbbing or excruciating. The affected joint may appear warm and red and will likely be tender, so much so that even laying a bed sheet over the affected joint will prove painful. Attacks may go away after a few days, but many people with gout will have another attack, even if the attacks are years apart. Some may even develop chronic gout, which can lead to joint damage and loss of motion in the joints. Doctors may conduct a handful of tests if they suspect a person has gout. These tests can include X-rays, a blood test to check levels of uric acid in the blood, a urine test to determine uric acid levels in the urine, or a synovial biopsy in which a piece of the tissue lining the affected joint is removed to determine if there are any inflammatory conditions. If the doctor has diagnosed a gout attack, he or she might give the patient a shot of corticosteroids, which will be injected into the inflamed joint to relieve the pain. Other treatment options include prescription medicines or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen. Aspirin, however, might raise uric acid levels in the blood, which can make the attack worse. Upon treatment, a gout attack will likely go away within 12 to 48 hours, though treatment might not prevent another attack in the future. Prevention options should be discussed with a physician, but lifestyle changes, including changes in diet, can help prevent another attack. Eating more carbohydrates while limiting meat consumption can prevent another attack. Avoiding alcohol is another preventive measure. Men and women who want to lose weight to prevent another attack should do so slowly, as rapid weight loss may result in the formation of uric acid kidney stones. When treated properly, men and women with gout can return to living a normal life.