- Gout is caused when uric acid crystals form around the joints, causing pain and inflammation. Uric acid crystals are produced by purines, a substance that naturally exists in the body and certain foods.
- People who drink alcohol, take hydrochlorothiazide, or take water pills are at a higher risk for developing gout disease. Diabetes, kidney disease, obesity, sickle cell anemia, hemolytic anemias and leukemia also increases a person's risk.
- According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), symptoms of gout disease include sudden, debilitating pain in the big toe, knee or ankle joints, called a gout attack. The pain frequently begins during the night, causing redness and warmness around the joint and a fever.
- According to the Mayo Clinic, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), colchicine, or steroids can reduce the pain and inflammation around the joints, reducing the severity of gout disease.
- Gout attacks are prevented by taking medications that remove or reduce uric acid, such as allopurinol or probenecid. A gout diet also helps, which eliminates food containing purines from the diet.
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