This leads to a condition called Hyperuricemia. It can lead to formation of uric acid crystals which can form kidney stones. These crystals can also settle in the joints and cause a condition known as Gout, a very painful arthritis. Untreated high uric acid levels can lead to permanent bone, joint and tissue damage, kidney disease and heart disease.
Gout
Gout, or gouty Arthritis, is common in people with high uric acid levels. It is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness in the joints. The most common joint involved in the base of big toe in the foot but other joints can also get involved.
What are the symptoms of Gout?
The signs and symptoms of gout mostly occur suddenly and commonly at night. The symptoms may flare up occasionally and on other times may resolve.
- Intense joint pain – Gout usually affects the big toe, but can affect other joints as well. Other commonly affected joints include knees, ankles, elbows, wrists and fingers. The pain is severe within the first 12-24 hours.
- Joint Discomfort - After the severe pain subsides, some amount of joint discomfort may last for a few days to a few weeks. Repeated gout attacks may last longer and may affect more joints.
- Redness – The affected joints become red, warm and inflamed.
- Restricted Movements – As the joints get damaged, its movements may get reduced.
Risk factors for Gout
Since gout develops due to high levels of uric acid in the body, the risk factors include all the conditions that increase uric acid levels.
Diet – Having foods rich in purines will lead to greater production of uric acid by the body.
> Foods causing high uric acid levels
> Alcoholic beverages
> Meats such as red meat, lamb, pork
> Seafood and shellfish including anchovies, sardines etc.
> Vegetables such as asparagus, spinach, mushrooms, cauliflower, kidney beans.
Age and sex – Men have a higher level of uric acid level but women reach the same level after menopause. Men are also likely to develop gout earlier.
Family History – If other members of your family have gout, you’re more likely to develop it.
Alcohol and tobacco consumption.
Medical conditions such as untreated high blood pressure, chronic diseases such as diabetes, metabolic syndromes, heart and kidney diseases.
Certain medications such as thiazide diuretics (for hypertension), low dose aspirin, anti-rejection drugs after organ transplant, chemotherapy etc.
Recent surgery or trauma
Obesity
When to see a doctor
If you develop sudden, intense pain in your joints, especially great toe, consult a doctor. Also if your joint is red and tender with fever, consult a doctor immediately to rule out an infection.
How to diagnose Gout?
Blood test – A simple blood test to measure uric acid level is often the first line of investigation. Sometimes it is misleading as some people have high uric acid levels but no symptoms of gout while some people have symptoms but their uric acid level is not that high.
X-rays – X-rays are important to check the joint surfaces, presence or absence of arthritis. In case of a known case of gout, joint destruction may also be seen on X-rays.
Joint fluid analysis – If your joint is swollen then some joint fluid may be aspirated using a needle and sent for examination under the microscope. In case of gout, urate crystals will be seen.
How to reduce uric acid levels naturally?
Most people can reduce uric acid with diet and lifestyle changes. Lowering the uric acid levels reduces the risk of gout and prevents flares in people already diagnosed with the condition.
1. Drink plenty of fluids
2. Limit purine rich foods
Since uric acid is produced from purines, limiting purine rich foods reduced uric acid production. Some purine rich foods are good for health, so it is advised to reduce their intake rather than avoiding them altogether.
Foods with high purine content include:
> Alcohol
> Sugary foods and beverages
> Sea foods and shellfish
> High fat foods
> Most meats including ham, pork, bacon, red meat.
3. Eat more low-purine foods
Switching to low purine foods will lead to lower production of uric acid and hence lower levels in the body. Foods with low purine content include:
> Low fat and fat free dairy products
> Coffee
> Most fruits and vegetables
> Most nut
It is not necessary that dietary changes alone will get rid of gout. It is also important to note that not everyone who eats a high purine diet develops gout. Other factors such as genetics, age, sex also play a role.
