What is Gout? Gout is a painful condition, often affecting the toes, but it can affect many other joints as well. If left alone it can get worse, turn into a chronic problem and even cause permanent damage.

1. What is gout?

2. Gout is a form of arthritis, usually first characterised in an acute attack in the joint of the big toe.

3. Many times this attack will occur overnight

4. The affected joint becoming red, swollen and very painful

5. Usually with no prior warning!

6. Gout usually affects middle-aged and overweight men, but can affect other people too.

7. Gout is caused by a build-up of uric acid crystals in the joints.

8. Uric acid is a natural by-product of the metabolism of purines.

9. Purines are found in many foods.

10. If the body cannot break down the uric acid quickly enough, the excess acid will crystallize.

11. These needle-shaped crystals accumulate in the joints and cause an auto-immune response.

12. A gout attack will come on suddenly, with no apparent trigger.

13. The constant slow build up of the crystals in the joint reach a ‘tipping point’.

14. At which time the body’s reaction is severe.

15. The joint will swell up, become red, extremely painful and itchy.

16. The pain will often subside within a few days and the symptoms completely disappear.

17. However, the underlying cause has not changed. There is still a build up of uric acid crystals in the joint.

18. Once the first attack has occurred further attacks can be expected.

19. These can occur even after a long period of being symptom-free.

20. Subsequent attacks will usually become more frequent, last longer and start to affect more joints.

21. Once recurrent attacks begin it is usually a sign that it is going to get worse...

22. ...unless some of the underlying causes are fixed.

23. Eventually the uric acid crystals will start to cause permanent damageto the cartilage.

24. They will cause increased stiffness and actually prevent healing between attacks.

25. It is important to reduce the likelihood of ongoing attacks, as the consequences can be severe.

26. And they can be permanent.

27. There are several different factors that need to be addressed.

28. - Limiting foods rich in purines, - Cutting back on alcohol, - Losing weight, - Eating foods that are good for gout

29. It's important to address these underlying issues before the gout gets worse.

30. Which is exactly what will happen if no changes are made.