The pain of gout can be distracting and can limit a person’s movements. Fortunately, gout can be treated. Quick and effective treatment however sometimes depends on detecting the condition early. The best way to do this would be to look out for gout signs and symptoms. Here are some important facts that you should know about the symptoms of gout:

Fact #1: Symptoms can strike when you don’t expect them.

Many medical conditions have symptoms that build up gradually. This allows early treatment before the conditions become painfully unbearable. The signs and symptoms for gout are a little different. They can develop instantly within a day or less with little warning. Those who have gout often wake up after a period of sleep or rest to find that they already have the physical gout signs and symptoms.

Fact #2: There are a couple of symptoms to watch out for.

The onset of gout signs and symptoms would typically begin with a feeling of pain in the affected joint area. The joint will also become inflamed, red and tender to the touch. For some people, the pain is so severe that movement becomes difficult. Gout signs and symptoms can affect any joint including the knees, ankles and fingers and can affect more than one joint at one time. Often though, gout first strikes one joint first which is often the big toe.

Fact #3: The symptoms may resolve on their own.

Gout is a painful condition and patients often need medication and treatment to relieve the pain and swelling. It could be dangerous to leave gout conditions without treatment for long. Initial attacks however really simply settle or disappear after a week or so. Even without treatment, gout signs and symptoms will gradually ease out.

Fact #4: You can ask your doctor to confirm if you have gout.

High uric acid levels do not necessarily confirm that a person has gout. Nonetheless, if high uric acid levels are discovered along with physical gout signs and symptoms, then a person could be fairly certainly said to have the condition. One can have a blood test to determine the levels of uric acid. Doctors can also look for the presence of urate crystals by having joint fluid examined. It is these urate crystals that cause gout signs and symptoms.

Fact #5: Tophi can develop after some time.

If gout is not treated, more gout signs and symptoms can appear. One such common symptom of a prolonged gout condition is the formation of tophi. Tophi are hardened skin bumps that have been formed due to the over accumulation of urate crystals. They can be found on the ears or near the joint areas.

Fact #6: It can be dangerous to ignore gout.

Untreated gout can lead to repeated attacks of gout signs and symptoms and more pain. In some people, the joints and bones may be damaged. Not managing uric acid levels may result in more urate crystal formation. Aside from settling on the joints, these crystals may also find their way to the kidneys and form stones.

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Gout Cures – Tip #1

One of the best ways to prevent gout, and other dietary related condition, is to eat a healthy diet. If you get any early symptoms of an initial gout attack you should immediately consider having a change of lifestyle, because the attacks will only get more frequent and more severe until you remove the causes of gout from your diet.

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Gout Cures – Tip #2

In addition to using proper medication, and some natural remedies, you can also help reduce the incidence of gout attacks through a couple of good habits. High-risk individuals are usually advised to maintain their proper weight to avoid gout. This is a gout treatment that relies much on your ability to discipline yourself.

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Gout Cures – Tip #3

Along with offering valuable information, online support groups also provide gout sufferers with emotional assistance. Some patients who suffer from the pain of gout may benefit from the inspiring stories of people who are successfully living and dealing with gout.

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