| During the time of Hippocrates, the term Gout | | | | over the counter, may take the edge off the pain. |
| described all types of arthritis. Gout associated with | | | | There are ways to prevent future attacks but for |
| sudden and extremely painful joints, particularly the | | | | now, you are at the mercy of our health system. |
| big toe, was labeled the disease of Kings because of | | | | How did I get this sudden attack of Gout? Everyone |
| their access and over consumption of rich foods and | | | | produces uric acid, a byproduct of digesting certain |
| alcohol. The 19th century opened up our | | | | groups of foods and most likely, your body has |
| understanding of Gout and narrowed the definition to | | | | trouble breaking down and excreting this uric acid. |
| the arthritis associated with uric acid production. | | | | This is not a sudden change in your body, as you |
| You find yourself stepping gingerly with a sore toe. | | | | have been storing excessive uric acid in your blood |
| You cannot remember doing anything that could have | | | | and tissues for years and years. Your body has finally |
| injured it. After ignoring it as an inconvenience, you | | | | found its fill and started putting uric acid crystals into |
| retired to bed for a nights sleep and woke up in the | | | | your joints like so many microscopic shards. An event |
| middle of the night with a pain so intense you can | | | | such as sudden weight loss, a new exercise regimen, |
| barely stand the weight of a blanket on your big toe. | | | | a bout of drinking, dehydration, injury, or excessive |
| If this is you right now, see a Doctor immediately, as | | | | holiday meals could have triggered this dumping of |
| I know there is no home remedy to alleviate the pain | | | | crystals into your joints, primarily your big toe as |
| anytime soon. Your doctor will prescribe medication | | | | gravity does play a role in location. When studies |
| that will take the inflammation and pain away within | | | | show that most gout cases occur in middle-aged |
| 1-3 days. Please do not take any aspirin as it may | | | | people, it is because the build up has been going on |
| interfere with a number of medications that may be | | | | for 10, 15 or 20+ years. |
| prescribed. Taking naproxen as directed and found | | | | |