Gout: Last week I experienced severe pain at the base of my big toe. This happened in the early hours of the morning and even the weight of the bed clothes was unbearable. I hobbled around for a couple of days and it eventually went away. My Dad says it's the same condition as he has but surely, as a women in her 30s, I couldn't be suffering from gout?
Although far more common in men, gout can also affect women. It tends to come on between the ages of 30 and 60 and is a type of arthritis caused by a build-up of uric acid crystals that get trapped in the spaces between the joints. The hands and feet are the most usual sites but it can also affect larger joints such as the knees and elbows.
Uric acid? What's that?
The body produces uric acid as a waste produce of certain types of protein, which is excreted by the kidneys in the urine. If the quantity of uric acid is excessive and not all excreted, it can build up in the joints. Symptoms include severe pain, joint tenderness with the skin around the affected area becoming red, shiny and dry.
Pressure on the joint can cause extreme pain. The first attack often strikes out of the blue and lasts anywhere from a couple of hours up to two to three days depending on how soon treatment starts. Some people experience only one attack in their lifetime while for others it can be a recurrent problem. It is thought to be an hereditary condition so you can blame Dad!
I thought gout was caused by high living.
The popular perception is that gout is caused by gluttony but this is not necessarily the case. Having said that, anyone prone to gout may find that fatty foods and alcohol can precipitate an acute attack. As well as the hereditary link, there is also an association between gout and obesity, while those taking water tablets (diuretics) may also develop the condition.
Treatment involves a combination of rest, painkillers (although not aspirin) and the application of hot/cold compresses to the affected joint.
The earlier you start treatment, the shorter the attack will be so see your doctor soon for advice on what to do in the event that it recurs.
In the future, avoid foods such as liver, brain or kidneys. Drink in moderation except for water and maintain a normal weight without recourse to crash diets which can precipitate attacks.