causes of gout arthritis

Gout arthritis is one of a hundred different types of arthritis. Before we look at the causes of gout, let's look at some of the things we know about gout arthritis.

1. The persistence of gout. Today there are about ½ a million people in the United States only who suffer from this regularly painful condition.
2. It is projected that gout accounts for roughly 5% of all arthritis cases in the United States.
3. Gout is described as an inflammatory form of arthritis.
4. Gout can cause feelings of sharp sudden pain in some joints, followed by redness, warmth, swelling, and tenderness.

Read about treatment of gout arthritis

People always think of gout as only affecting the big toe. Even though the big toe is commonly affected, other areas of the body can be affected too.
Areas affected may include the wrists, knees, heels, ankles, fingers, and elbows. The instep may also be affected.

People most likely affected

Who are the people most likely affected by gout arthritis. In the United States, men account for the most of gout cases. It is estimated that less than one in ten women develop gout. Most gout patients are men, ranging in age from 30 to 60 years.

What causes gout arthritis

Gout is considered to be caused by an over production of uric acid in the body. Most researchers have the same opinion that genetics play a role in the development of gout.

1. Inheritance: one cause of gout arthritis.
While many people are suceptible to developing too much uric acid, others appear to inherit the propensity to under process uric acid in the body, causing it to be lost in urine. Other people inherit high blood levels of uric acid. It is this high level of uric acid that appears to cause sodium monourate crystals to collect in the synovial joint fluid. This consecutively causes painful stiff joints, resulting in gout. If someone in your family once suffered from gout, you are at a higher risk for developing the gout condition.

2. other conditions causing gout.
One other possible cause of gout is that it may develop as a result of other conditions. While genetics is a major cause of gout, how you choose to live your life could contribute to developing gout arthritis. Dietary choices have been linked to the start of gout. Foods that can trigger gout include;

1. seafood (especially anchovies),
2. meat proteins,
3. beans,
4. gravies, and
5. sweet breads.

These foods are all rich in purine. Eating too much of them has been know to cause gout. Other things that may affect the beginning of gout include crash diets. Eating recklessly, which may include eating too much or too little

3. Some other causes of gout

Apart from your dietary habits, gout can also be set off by various other symptoms. These include;

1. excessive stress,
2. excessive exercise,
3. severe illness,
4. joint or muscle injury,
5. high blood pressure, and
6. chemotherapy.

All these have been linked to the development of gout. One of the common things medical researchers have agreed on is that a patient's immune systems and overall health are compromised before the onset of gout. If gout run in your family, it is advicesable to eat different and well balanced diet to keep this painful arthritis disease away.

The articles on this website should not be used as a basis for any form of diagnosis or treatment for any medical condition. Always seek professional medical advice.

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