Gout is another form of arthritis that affects approximately 1 million
Americans. Gout causes sudden, severe pain in joints. Pain is generally
accompanied with redness, swelling, and inflammation. Gout may affect joints in
the legs or arms, but commonly affects the toes. Symptoms of gout include:
Sudden, Extreme Joint
Pain
Swollen Joints
Red or Purple Colored
Skin
Gout is primarily caused by eating certain types of foods, or over
consumption of wine. High levels of uric acids in the joints cause pain and
swelling. Many foods contain large amounts of this acid. Ordinarily, the
kidneys will breakout down this material and rid the body of it. In rare cases,
a small portion of this acid remains in the body and is released into the blood
stream, thus increasing a persons risk of developing gout. Gout attacks are
very sporadic. Some will suffer from the condition once, whereas others may
have recurring gout attacks. Repeated attacks will eventually damage joints,
and should be treated. Many have been able to manage gout attacks by
eliminating certain foods from their diet. Additionally, gout can be
successfully controlled with medications. Strategies for treating gout include: