What is Gout?

Gout in Woodbury MN is a type of arthritis that affects most often the big toe, but it can affect other joints, such as the ankle, hip and others. This type of arthritis usually affects more men than women. This comes about when there is too much uric acid in the blood, due to drinking too much alcohol, or eating too much meat that is high in purine chemical that can increase the uric acid. Most of the time having too much uric acid in your blood is not a problem, until crystals start to form in the joints.

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What does Gout look like in Woodbury MN?

People suffering from gout can experience tenderness, severe pain, redness and night time attacks of swelling in the joints that are being affected. If gout goes untreated, it can move onto affect tendons and other tissues in the body. Your chances of getting Gout are much higher if you are overweight.

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How to diagnose Gout?

Gout can be diagnosed usually by the representation on the physical exam, but some doctors may want to take a blood test to check for the uric acid levels, others may want to take a sample from the joint itself to diagnose the issue.

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How is Gout treated?

There are a few different ways to treat Gout. The natural way to prevent Gout is to watch what you eat. Try to consume a moderate intake of meats, fresh vegetables and fruits, especially Cherries. Alcohol should be avoided for the time being. Drinking an organic, cherry concentrate at night will not only help with pain, but it will also help you sleep with the natural melatonin.

Vitamin C is an important vitamin for those with gout. Sodium ascorbate is the best form of vitamin C to take. It is less acidic than ascorbic acid and easier on the stomach.

Garlic can be ingested and is a wonderful, natural anti-inflammatory.

Apple Cider Vinegar can be ingested or it can be soaked into the skin if you set your foot in a warm apple cider vinegar bath. The Apple Cider vinegar will help alkalinize the body, which then helps the body flush out the uric acid.

Sometimes there are other anti-inflammatory medicines that can help. If you choose to go that route, you may want to seek your primary physician for other options. Most doctors of medicine will suggest corticosteroids, ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications.

It is very important if you have something like this going on, consult your physician immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Thanks for reading,

Dr. Christine Bartholomew, D.C.