Gout Overview
Gout is a painful condition caused by high uric acid levels, forming crystals in the joints. It affects mainly men over 40 and progresses through stages: from asymptomatic high uric acid to severe joint damage (Ragab et al., 2017).
Symptoms
It causes sudden joint pain, redness, and swelling, typically starting at night.
Causes
Triggered by purine-rich foods (red meat, seafood, alcohol) and high uric acid levels (Yip & Berman, 2021).
Management
Treat with NSAIDs, medications like allopurinol, and natural remedies (omega-3s, vitamin C, tart cherry juice). Lifestyle changes like weight management help prevent flare-ups (CDC, 2023).
Disclaimer: Always consult a doctor for medical advice.
