By Dr. Manav Luthra, Orthopaedics

Gout is a medical condition which is characterised by the formation of crystals around a body joint because of a rise in uric acid levels in the blood. Gout is an extremely painful sub-sect of arthritis which might result in sudden unbearable pain. Gout can develop because of overconsumption of certain foods such as red meat, alcohol, and seafood along with the disintegration of purine (organic compound) into uric acid by the body. Gout results in red and inflamed body joints.

The symptoms of gout include the following, but are not limited to:

1. Restricted mobility in the joint affected by gout.
2. Formation of red skin around the affected body joints, which will lead to significant itching and removal of skin around the affected portion as it tends to get better.
3. Formation of red skin around the affected portion.
4. Sensation of warmth, inflammation and immense pain in the affected joint which usually begins at night. The joints become tender and extremely painful as time progresses. These sudden bouts of pain might last for a few hours.

Prevention-

1. Drink plenty of water (about 2-2.5 liters) to keep yourself hydrated.
2. Limit alcohol consumption.
3. In order to meet your body’s protein requirements, you should consume protein rich products which are low in fat content.
4. Keep a check on your weight and try to lose the excess kilos; that will normalize the uric acid levels in the body, thus preventing gout.
5. Restrict consumption of fish, eggs and meats, especially all types of red meat.