The word gout comes from old French word gote meaning "a drop". When the human digestive system breaks down protein called purines it produces uric acid. Purines can be found naturally in our body, as well as in food, such as organ meats, asparagus, mushrooms and herring. Under normal circumstances uric acid is dissolves and passed away in urine via kidney.

However sometimes kidneys fails to remove enough uric acid. As a result level of uric acid in our body increases above normal. Tiny particles of urate also known as MSU (monosodium urate) crystallizes especially on the articular cartilage of joints. This crystallization of MSU results in joint inflammation and is marked by transient painful attacks of acute arthritis and eventually leads to chronic gouty arthritis.

Obesity and excess eating habits of meat and meat organs which are high in purines can bring attack of gout. Other contributory causes for attack of gout are heavy consumption of beer and regular use of diuretic medicine. Hypertension and chronic kidney disease can also onset attack of gout. People who gets gout attack regularly should avoid taking aspirin or niacin'

The prominent symptoms of gout are stiffness as well as have swollen joint. In the areas where crystals of MSU have formed that experienced the most pain. The skin around affected area becomes red and itchy. Patient will find difficult to move joints due to stiffness. On some of the occasion patient develop law temperature fever.

Medicines available for treating gout are basically divided in three categories. They are NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), Colchicine and steroids. It is advisable to consult family physician before taking any medicine.

Meanwhile as a precautionary measure applies an ice pack wrapped in cloth, it will help to reduce swelling and ease pain. Do not put stress on your limb. DO not try to cover joint.Increasing water intake, excersise will help in preventing further attack of gout.