Over the years, gout cases have been steadily on the rise globally. Among adults, this is one of the most common inflammatory diseases. It is more commonly observed in older adults, those that are above 65 years of age. There can be several causes of gout. Here are a few important things to be understood:

Causes
Those who have preexisting kidney disorders are at a higher risk of gout. This is because kidney disorders affect the level of uric acid in the body. This acid is released with the breakdown of purines in the body. Purines are generally found in the food that we eat. They are also produced by the cells in the body. An increase in uric acid levels in the blood is known as hyperuricemia. This condition can cause a buildup of uric acid crystals in the tissues and joints of the body, triggering symptoms of gout.

Risk factors
Not everyone who has hyperuricemia will have gout. Some other risk factors for gout include:

• Obesity
• Hypertension
• Congestive cardiac problems
• Diabetes
• Resistance to insulin
• Malfunctioning kidney
• Metabolic syndrome
• Increased alcohol consumption
• A diet high in fructose
• A diet high in purines
• Diuretics

Symptoms
The symptoms of gout are not persistent, as they are usually triggered by a flare-up or attack. These attacks usually occur at night. Some of the common symptoms of gout are:

• Severe joint pain
  In most cases, the joint of the big toe is affected by gout. However, intense pain can occur in any joint of the body. Fingers, wrists, ankles, knees, and elbows are the common areas where gout pain occurs. The pain is intense within the first 12 hours of the attack.
• Discomfort
  A lingering sense of discomfort is usually experienced after the pain in the joints subsides. The discomfort can last for a few days or even weeks.
• Inflammation
  Heavy deposition of uric acid causes the affected joint to become inflamed. The area around the affected joint may become red and swollen, and the skin tender and warm.
• Restricted range of motion
  Inflammation may become severe with the progression of gout. This will affect the range of motion of the affected joints. Movement, too, may become restricted.

Treatment options
Gout can be chronic; hence, it needs to be treated as soon as possible. Treatment for gout includes a range of medications. The type of medication depends on the severity and stage of the condition.

• To alleviate pain, doctors generally prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), colchicine, and corticosteroids.
• Medications such as xanthine oxidase inhibitors and probenecid are also prescribed for the prevention of gout attacks.

Natural remedies

Along with prescription medications, certain remedies can also be followed. These remedies usually complement a prescribed course of treatment. They include altering your lifestyle and following healthy habits. Some things that you can do to manage gout better are:

• Losing excess weight
• Lowering alcohol intake
• Avoiding tobacco smoking
• Exercising regularly

Diet
Gout is caused by high uric acid levels in the body. One of the major causes of increased uric acid in the body is a diet rich in purines. This is why diet plays a major role in combating gout symptoms. There are certain foods that can trigger gout attacks. On the other hand, some foods can alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by gout, and also lower the probability of gout attacks.

• Foods to have
  Cherries, spinach, tofu, beans, potatoes, nuts, seeds, barley, low-fat dairy products, olive oil, and oats are some foods that lower the risk of gout attacks.
• Foods to avoid
  Some foods that need to be avoided are red meats; organ meats; seafood such as scallops, anchovies, and mackerel; alcohol; sugary beverages; and foods high in fructose. All of these are high in purines and increase uric acid levels in the body, triggering inflammation and pain.