Gout Symptoms and Alternative Treatments

Gout is a condition that affects the joints, mostly in the big toe. It can be very painful and is actually a form of Arthritis. It can also affect other articulations in the body such as in the wrists, ankles, and knees. A flair-up usually creates inflammation and pain and can occur any time. More men than women are affected by it although it does affect females who are past the menopause stage. It occurs when there are high levels of uric acid within the bloodstream, which can lead to the development of small crystals. The formation of them is what causes the symptoms to occur within the capsule.

As with many other diseases and medical problems, diet and exercise are two factors that can help maintain good health. Some of the risk factors that can lead to this issue include excessive alcohol intake along with high cholesterol and elevated blood pressure. There are even some medications that are associated with gout attacks. Preventative measures and alternative treatments can include positive dietary changes, reducing alcohol intake, and getting plenty of exercise. The movement causes the muscles to contract and relax and can aid the system to remove waste products easier than if the body is sedentary. By removing some of the risk factors and reducing the amount of uric acid within the blood, there is a lesser likelihood that crystals will be formed, therefore the symptoms and accompanying discomfort can be prevented.