GOUT- “Disease of Kings”

Also known as the rich man`s disease. Due to the infamous king of England Henry the 8th.

Gout is a disease caused by inflammation within a joint. A chemical in the blood called uric acid works to break down a substance called purine. If there is too much uric acid in the body, it crystallises to form deposits in the joints, tendons and tissues. These deposits cause the inflammation that we refer to as gout.

Excruciatingly painful

Gout diagnoses have doubled since 1990. It affects 1 in 40 adults in the UK, mainly men aged between 30 and 60. The big toe is the joint most commonly affected. Symptoms typically include a red, hot, swollen joint that is excruciatingly painful, often with a rapid onset. It can be difficult to determine if a patient is suffering from gout or an infection in the joint, as both appear quite similar. For that reason, patients should see their GP if symptoms develop.

Gout can also present as a more chronic problem. Uric acid can form clumps called tophi, often in the tips of the ears, knuckles or within tendons and joints. When in a joint, they can cause damage to the bone and lead to chronic arthritis problems.

What causes gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis, causing painful swelling and inflammation in one or more joints.  It is caused by build-up of a chemical called uric acid in the blood.  If the levels get too high, the chemical can form crystals which settle in the joints, irritating the normal tissue.

Genetics and diet play a significant role

There are many reasons why a patient might suffer from gout. Genetics play a significant role. Medication can also be a factor, with diuretic treatments that help eliminate excess fluid from the body being linked. If the body is not able to eliminate uric acid effectively, for example if the kidneys are not working efficiently, the risk of developing gout is higher. Other risk factors include a higher body mass index (BMI), stress, dehydration and joint trauma.

Diet plays a key role in increasing the chances of developing gout. Patients who drink alcohol above the recommended guidelines, particularly beer, should reduce their intake. Other links have been established with consumption of high fructose-sweetened drinks, meats including liver and kidney, and seafoods such as shellfish and sardines. These foods are generally high in purine. Patients with a history of gout should opt for low purine diets.There are a number of treatment strategies for gout. They depend on whether patients are suffering from acute attacks of gout, chronic gout, or want to prevent further attacks of gout. Vitamin C can be effective in reducing the frequency of acute gout attacks, as can regular consumption of low-fat diary products such as skimmed milk. There is also evidence to suggest that coffee has a place in reducing gout attacks, although this comes with caution regarding monitoring caffeine intake. Lifestyle changes bring the most benefit: Things to consider include reducing how much alcohol you drink, ensuring a healthy BMI (although crash diets can worsen gout so should be avoided), ensuring adequate hydration, avoiding fructose-sweetened drinks and reducing overall purine intake.

Your GP can offer several treatments for gout. Patients are initially offered a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, if permitted by their medical history. If this is not suitable or helpful, a specific treatment called colchicine is available, or a course of steroid medication may be offered. This should be used alongside pain relieving medication. Other simple measures, such as ice treatment for the affected joint, with elevation, and resting the joint, are encouraged. If you have had more than two attacks in a year, your GP may discuss a preventative treatment called allopurinol or febuxostat.

Without treatment, most acute attacks will last up to seven days.  Unfortunately, 60% of patients experience further attacks within a next year. Gout is no longer a “rich man’s disease”. Adopting a healthier, more balanced lifestyle can go a long way towards ensuring that you don’t have to suffer the pain of living like a king.

Hijamah...

One of the best way to abolish gout is by  administering hijamah on key systemic points on the body.

I have personally treated many patients with such conditions with 1-2 sessions it disappears and for good...Till yet no recurrences or signs of gout.

Alhamdulillah!!

www.hijamacups.com