Main Reasons for Gout
Osteoarthritis:
This is the most common form of arthritis. As we age, the soft tissue covering the bones in the joints called cartilage wears away. This causes the bones to rub against each other and causes severe pain.
Autoimmune Diseases:
Rheumatoid Arthritis occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own joints. This causes severe swelling and inflammation in the joints.
Gout:
When the amount of uric acid in the blood increases, it forms small crystals and accumulates in the joints (especially in the toes). This causes sudden and severe pain.
Infections:
Septic arthritis can also occur when bacteria or viruses cause an infection in the joints.
Genetics:
If someone in your family has arthritis, you are more likely to develop it.
Lifestyle factors:
Being overweight (which puts too much pressure on the joints), smoking, and improper exercise habits increase the risk of arthritis.
Symptoms:
Joint pain and swelling.
Redness around the joints.
Stiffness in the joints when you wake up in the morning.
Difficulty moving the joints.
What to do?
Proper examination: If the pain is persistent, see a rheumatologist or orthopedic doctor to find out the exact cause (what type of arthritis it is).
Exercise: Do exercises as directed by a physiotherapist to maintain joint mobility.
Losing weight: Losing excess weight is very important to increase the lifespan of the joints.
