Gout is arthritis that caues redness, pain and swelling. Generally you will find that it affects one joint at a time with each single episode. It often starts in the big toe, hiwever it can also effect other joints as well. It is a very well known condition and it affects primarily older people however it is also known to cause trouble for young people. Those Australians will remember that Harry Kewell had a gout problem at the world cup in 2006. 90 clear. There are many conditions that are strongly associated with gout. Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and kidney disease.Stress, infection, minor trauma, heavy consumption of alcohol or surgery can also have an influence on gout.

Here are the main risk factors associated with gout.

• Genetics- the impairment in the excretion of uric acid is thought to be heridetary.

• Gender and age- it is more common in men, and also becomes more likely as you get older.

• Weight- being overweight means there is more tissue available for breakdown or turnover and can lead to excissive uric acid production.

• Alcohol consumption- excessive consumption can interfere with the removal of uric acid.

• Diet- eating too many foods that are rich in purines has been thought to cause or aggravate gout in some people.

• Kidney problems- will impact on your ability to excrete uric acid

• Long term use of certain medications- diuretics, aspirin, immunosuppressants may act on the kidneys affecting the excretion of uric acid.

• Anemia

• Psoriasis

• Exposure to lead- has been linked to gout

Symptoms Of Gout

There are four stages of gout. The first stage the patient has high levels of uric acid but no other signs or symptoms. There is no treatment required for this stage. The second stage is called acute gouty arthritis. This stage means the patient experiences heat, redness welling and pain in a joint. This first and more often occurs in the big toe. It can be very very painful. With immediate treatment this can disappear within hours. However it often strikes again. If it is not treated it progresses to the third stage. The interval between attacks shortens if left untreated If it is left untreated fo several years it can progress to the fourth stage whic is called chronic tophaceous gout. In this stage there is chronic inflammation and swelling and permanent damage to the joints.