Gout

Is a chemical defect which causes the accumulation in the bloodstream of a waste product of metabolism also known as uric acid. It is the deposition of crystals of uric acid in the skin, joints and kidneys which is responsible for the symptoms.

Cause

Gout is caused by too much uric acid (a chemical in the blood) in the body. If your kidneys don’t pass uric acid quickly enough or your body produces too much uric acid you may be prone to gout

Symptoms

If you have pain and swelling in the joints along with red skin around the painful joint and sometimes fever you may be suffering from gout

Diagnosis

Gout can be diagnosed by blood tests to measure the levels of uric acid in your blood or by a small amount of fluid being removed from the swollen painful joint to see if uric acid is present. Sometimes X-rays may be done to rule out other medical conditions

Treatment

Resting the affected joint and applying ice may help to reduce the swelling.

Your GP may prescribe NSAIDs drugs to relieve the pain and inflammation . In severe cases steroid tables or injections may be used