What Causes Gout?

Gout can flare up suddenly, causing severe pain.

What Is the Main Cause of Gout?

Gout is brought on by high levels ofuric acidin the blood.

Some foods contain high amounts of purines, a very common chemical compound.

As you digestpurines, uric acid is created as a byproduct.

Foods high in purinesinclude:

Gout is treated with medication, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery.

Without treatment, gout can eventually lead to gouty arthritis.

When you have a gout attack, you wantrelief quickly.

These include interleukin-1 inhibitors and other types still being developed.

In some cases, surgery can address joints damaged by gouty arthritis.

They include:

Some people may find a warm bath helps.

you’re free to also try topical NSAID pain relievers that you rub into the skin.

People can develop high uric acid levels due to genetic predisposition and eating foods high in purines.

Some medications can help treat or prevent flares.

Icing and elevating the joint are two common home remedies.

To prevent gout, avoid foods with high purine levels and stay at a healthy weight.

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