Gout (Arthritis)
Gout is a type of arthritis characterized by inflamed, painful joints that are due to the formation of crystal deposits at the joints. Gout has a tendency to affect more men than women and is often associated with obesity, hypertension (high blood pressure), hyperlipidemia (high levels of fats in the blood), and diabetes. Kidney stones also have a tendency to be associated with gout.
Gout is caused by monosodium urate crystal deposits in the joints, due to an excess of uric acid in the body. The excess of uric acid may be caused by an increase in production by the body, under-elimination of the uric acid by the kidneys, or increased intake of certain foods that convert into uric acid while still in the body. Foods that are high in purines (the component of the food that changes into uric acid) include certain meats, seafood, dried beans, and dried peas. Alcohol also has a tendency to increase levels of uric acid in the body. Gout attacks may be triggered by any/all of the following:
- consumption of large quantities of alcohol
- consumption of large quantities of protein-rich foods
- fatigue
- emotional stress
- minor surgery
- illness
Gout is characterized by sudden, recurrent attacks that often occur without warning. Severe, chronic gout may lead to deformity. The following are the most common symptoms of gout. However each individual may experience symptoms
differently. Symptoms may include:
- severe, sudden pain in one or more joints (most often the joint in the big toe)
- swollen joint(s)
- red or purplish, tight, shiny skin over joint
- warmth in joint area
- fever
- chills
- general feeling of illness
- rapid heartbeat
- hard lumps of urate crystal deposits under the skin (called tophi)
Dietary and nutritional support often assist in the relief and regulation of gout-like symptoms. Through evaluating your dietary consumption, which foods you eat, and how much, we can assist you in the regulation of foods that may be contributing to your symptoms. A key component to the reduction of pain, swelling, and other gout symptoms is the use of the laser assisted, detoxification footbath. As your body accumulates uric acid, it begins to deposit the crystals from that acid in your joints. The laser assisted detoxification footbath helps to detoxify your body so that the uric acid is unable to accumulate, therefore reducing the effects of the uric acid. Additionally, Quantum Neurology™ Rehabilitation is used to ensure that your body is strengthened in order to help it function more efficiently.