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Gout - About
The ache in your toe may be enough to knock you off your feet. Gout, a form of arthritis, often strikes without warning. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
- Check out cherries
Soothe symptoms and prevent new attacks by eating a half a pound of cherries or drinking an equivalent amount of cherry juice per day
- Rest for relief
During acute attacks, rest the affected part to reduce pain and inflammation
- Pass up high-purine foods
To keep uric acid levels low, eat fewer purine-containing foods, such as liver, shrimp, and dried beans and pulses
- Put a limit on alcohol
To help prevent new attacks, avoid drinking more than one alcoholic beverage a day
Also indexed as:
- gout
About this treatment
About This Condition
Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs when crystals of uric acid accumulate in a joint, leading to the sudden development of pain and inflammation.
People with gout either overproduce uric acid or are less efficient than other people at eliminating it. The joint of the big toe is the most common site to accumulate uric acid crystals, although other joints may be affected.
Symptoms
The pain of gout can arise suddenly and is often very intense. The affected joint is usually red, swollen, and very tender to the touch. A low-grade fever may also be present.
Last Review: 05-11-2011
Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net
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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.
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