• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Very Healthy Life

  • Symptoms
  • Natural Remedies
  • Nutrition / Life

August 9, 2017 | Click to Search Articles

11 Common Signs of Gout

Have you been experiencing a sudden onset of pain in your big toe? Is that pain also accompanied by swelling? Did these symptoms develop after you have been sick or sustained an injury? If so, it could be a sign of gout.

A form of inflammatory arthritis, gout is a generalized term that describes a buildup of uric acid in the blood. A chemical that is naturally produced to help the body break down foods that contain organic compounds known as purines, uric acid is vital to your overall health. Normally, your body produces uric acid to aid in the breakdown of purines. Once the purines are broken down, they and the uric acid are both cleansed out of the blood by the kidneys with urine. If conditions change, however, and there are high levels of uric acid, it can buildup in the body. Over time, this build-up of uric acid will turn into urate crystals, which can collect around the soft tissues and joints, which can develop into inflammation or gout.

An estimated 4 percent of adults in the United States are afflicted with gout, which may seem like a small number, but it translated to approximately 8 million people. Men are more likely to develop the condition, and it also appears to hereditary, which means that if someone in your family has gout, you are at a greater risk for developing it yourself. Those who consume a large number of foods that are high in purines, and those who have other health conditions, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes, are also an increased risk for developing this inflammatory condition. Additionally, people who drink more than two alcoholic drinks a day or consume a lot of soda, are obese, who are taking diuretic medications, or have undergone gastric bypass surgery are also at risk.

While got usually affects the feet, it can also affect other parts of the body. How can you tell if you have gout? The best way is to understand the symptoms that are associated with the condition. Here’s a look at some of the most common signs of gout.

1. Pain in the big toe

One of the first and most noticeable signs of gout is the development of pain in the big toe. Medically referred to as podagra, this symptom is usually what sparks a diagnosis of gout. Since gout is caused by excessive production of uric acid, which commonly collects in the big toe, it is not unusual for pain to affect the area. When excessive amounts of uric acid are in the blood, it is known as hyperuricemia, and it causes a significant amount of pain in the big toe. In fact, the pain is often so severe that it may be impossible for someone to walk. It can take a few hours or a few days for the pain to subside.

Next »

Popular Articles

15 Most Common Symptoms of Spider Bites

A fear of spiders, or arachnophobia, is very common. It’s not hard to understand why so many people …

[Read More...] about 15 Most Common Symptoms of Spider Bites

9 Common Symptoms of Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a tough infection, and it’s more serious than the common cold. If you’ve ever had it, …

[Read More...] about 9 Common Symptoms of Bronchitis

10 Ways to Relieve Gonorrhea Symptoms Naturally

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease with symptoms that include vaginal and penile discharge, …

[Read More...] about 10 Ways to Relieve Gonorrhea Symptoms Naturally

Primary Sidebar

14 Symptoms of Clogged Arteries That You Should Look Out For

Clogged arteries are a common medical condition that can accompany a severely fatty diet or chronic …

12 Must-Know Iron Deficiency Symptoms

Iron is one of the most vital minerals in the body. It can be found in every cell and it serves …

Popular on Very Healthy Life

10 Natural Food Poisoning Treatments

When you are enjoying some of your favorite foods it is really hard to believe that it could make …

19 Nutritious Foods That Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is an extremely common ailment as many people are diagnosed with it each day. …

10 Natural Solutions to Stop Snoring

Snoring is a worldwide problem faced by millions of people on a daily basis. It is more common in …

You May Also Like

10 Ways to Overcome a Syncopal Episode

The term syncopal episode is the medical term for the condition. A syncopal episode may be caused by …

[Read More...] about 10 Ways to Overcome a Syncopal Episode

10 Foods You Must Avoid On a Pancreatitis Diet

Pancreatitis is a very common health condition that means your pancreas, the organ responsible for …

[Read More...] about 10 Foods You Must Avoid On a Pancreatitis Diet

11 Most Common Symptoms of Asperger’s

A neurobiological disorder, Asperger’s syndrome was once characterized as a clear autism spectrum …

[Read More...] about 11 Most Common Symptoms of Asperger’s

Footer

Disclaimer

This site offers information designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information on this site as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for, professional counseling care, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional.

  • Search Articles
  • Latest Articles
  • About VHL
  • Advertise with Us
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • Cookie Declaration
  • Push Notifications

Copyright © 2023 · All Rights Reserved