There is nothing good about gout. Essentially a short-term form of arthritis, gout is caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood stream. If not properly eliminated, this acid can form needle-like urate crystals that collect in joints and soft tissues in the body. Gout symptoms typically start as severely painful swelling and redness, usually in the joint of a big toe.
Left untreated, however, gout can spread to other joints in the foot, ankle, knees, wrists, and hands. In extreme cases, this painful condition can also lead to kidney stones and damage. Even in its early stages, however, gouty arthritis can be debilitating. Attacks of pain from gout tend to happen in the middle of the night, disturbing sleep, and leading to a host of other issues during waking hours. Check out the rest of this article by clicking the link below…
