Here are tips to combat gout

What is gout?
It is a type of arthritis caused by a build-up of uric acid (urate) in the blood. Urate is normally a harmless waste product, produced when the body breaks down substances known as purines, found naturally in the body and in certain foods and alcohol.

Crystals of urate can form inside joints causing sudden and severe pain. It is the most common inflammatory arthritis in men and if left untreated can damage the joints. But it is also the only curable form of arthritis. Patients classically present with an attack in the big toe joint, although older women may have symptoms in the finger joints. The joint then become excruciatingly painful, red, hot and inflamed.

What are the causes?
The main reasons for the gout, are old age, obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Drug treatments for heart disease and hypertension also play a role. Low dose aspirin and diuretics can increase urate levels increasing the risk. Recent research shows alcohol plays a smaller role than previously thought.

How is it managed?
A course of anti-inflammatory drugs or sometimes colchincine - which works by reducing the ability of the urate crystals to inflame the joint lining is the usual cure. For severe gout, corticosteroids may be prescribed. Patients suffering repeat attacks should see a rheumatologist. A steroid injection into the joint is the quickest way to alleviate the problem.

Patients should rest, raise the affected limb and avoid knocking the joint. For long-term treatment, urate lowering medication is the normal course. This method treatment mobilises the uric crystals as it tries to dissolve them, it can sometimes cause a 'flare'. When that happens, patients should not stop taking their medication.

Urate levels need checking a month after diagnosis so treatment can be altered if need be. Most patients are cured in 12-18 months, but need to stay on treatment for life to avoid repeat attacks.

How can you prevent it?

Change your diet - Some foods and beer are high in natural compounds (purines) which can trigger gout. Avoid liver, kidneys, oily fish, seafood and foods or supplements that contain yeast or meat.

Low-fat dairy foods appear to protect against gout as milk proteins raise the body's ability to remove uric acid.

Dark blue and red fruits such as cherries and blueberries contain antioxidants which can lower uric acid levels too.

Lose weight - Being lighter and exercising more will help reduce your uric acid levels significantly. Taking vitamin C supplements daily can also cut your risk by increasing the amount of uric acid excreted.