What is gout? A very brief explanation

Gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden, severe joint pain.

Common symptoms include:

• sudden severe pain in one or more of your joints.
• hot, swollen, red skin over the affected joints.
• continuous pain and high sensitivity around the affected joints.

Gout attacks can last anywhere between a few days to a few weeks.

If left untreated, it could cause lasting damage to joints.

It’s advised that you see a doctor to confirm if your symptoms are in fact gout.

What causes gout?

Current research shows that gout is caused by your body’s inability to rid itself of uric acid. Uric acid is a waste product found in your blood. It’s created when your body goes through its natural process of breaking down chemicals called purines. Purines are a key component of the DNA and RNA in all living cells, naturally present in your body.

Your body is naturally designed to flush uric acid out when you pee, however, if too much uric acid stays in your body, you will develop a condition called hyperuricemia. Hyperuricemia can lead to the formation of crystals.

These can form anywhere in your body, however, they tend to form in and around your joints and kidneys. This then presents itself as either kidney stones or gout. The inflammation and pain of an attack occurs when your body’s defensive white cells attack the crystals.

Can it be cured?

There is no definitive cure for gout. Many sufferers manage their condition through medication, learning what triggers their attacks in an attempt to avoid them, and by maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle and diet.

Whilst I will share my experiences of managing my condition in this blog, I advise you speak to your doctor or a rheumatologist to determine the best course of action for you.