Gout

Definition

It is a type of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in joints. This happen due to metabolic dysfunction, there is deposition of uric acid in and around the joints causing severe painfulness, swelling and restricted mobility of the affected joint.Causes: There is a disturbance in Purine metabolism of the body. Purine is a substance found in many living cells as well as food articles. thus Uric acid is produced in the body after the breakdown of Purine. Uric acid is waste product and needs to be thrown out of kidney. But due to certain factors (such as alcohol, lack of physical activity, crash diet, meat, etc.) leads to accumulation of excess uric acid in the blood, eventually leading to Gout. The exact cause for the underexcretion remains unknown in many cases, and it is believed to be more genetically determined.

Symptoms

The following are some of the symptoms of Gout: commonly the big toe. However, Gout may also affect elbows, knees, ankles, wrists or small joints of the hands and feet. The classical Gout is excruciating, sudden pain, swelling, redness, warmth and stiffness of the joint. Low-grade fever may also be present. The skin overlying the joint can also be swollen, tender and sore if it is touched even lightly. Patients with longstanding high levels of uric acid in blood can have uric acid crystal deposits called tophi in other tissues as well, e.g. the helix (ear pinna ) of the ear. Gout has four distinct stages: • Asymptomatic: High levels of Uric acid in blood but no joint complaints • Acute phase: Acute complaints described above occur for a brief period • Intercritical phase: There is no pain or swelling of joints in this phase, the patient is relatively symptom-free. • Chronic: Gout attacks may become frequent during this phase and the condition may affect many joints at a time (polyarticular). Tophi formation may also be seen.

Homeopathic Treatment

Since Gout is caused by the constitutional factors, it is important to give treatment based on constitutional approach. It is evaluation of the individual factors inclusive of one's personal and family history (ascertaining the genetic tendency), while planning a long-term treatment. Homeopathy helps in controlling the pain during the acute attack of gout as well as helps in preventing the recurrence of such episodes. It not only stops pains and recurrences it also reduces uric acid levels. Thus its myth that homeopathy is only symptomatic type of therapy.