Orthotic Shoe Inserts
Benefits of Orthotic Shoe Inserts in Minneapolis

Gout (also known as podagra when in the big toe) is the painful result of a buildup of crystallized uric acid in the joints.  Visible symptoms include swelling of the joint, joint pain at night, and slight redness of the skin.  If these symptoms persists, it is important to see a doctor, as gout can lead to arthritic erosion of the bones, and long term joint damage.  Although there is no sure-fire method for diagnosing gout, if you are unsure about your symptoms a rheumatologist can usually use a blood panel to make a diagnosis.

The cause of gout is hyperuricemia.  This condition can have multiple immediate causes, usually lifestyle related.  Although some gout cases are purely caused by genetics, metabolic syndrome, essentially a catch-all for obesity, insulin resistance and hypertension, occurs in most gout.  Gout can also be caused by overconsumption of alcohol, seafood and sugary drinks.

Treatment of gout is largely a matter of addressing the immediate flair with short-term care, then enacting lifestyle changes to address the underlying issues. Short term relief can be acheived through prescription pain relievers, which should cut down on swelling and reduce pain.  Ultimately, however, only healthier eating and weight loss will address the painful long-term consequences of gout or podagra.