Gout has long been found in middle-aged people, but today the disease tends to be found in younger ones.

According to Suc khoe & Doi song news site, gout often occurs silently. It is caused by the defective metabolism of uric acid in the body. In Vietnam, excessive abuse of alcoholic beverages and protein-rich diets give rise to disorders of uric acid, resulting in gout. When the uric acid levels in the blood are high, the kidneys cannot discharge such uric acid out of the body, making it accumulate in the form of urate crystals in your joints, especially in the smaller bones of the feet. This causes a painful form of arthritis, or gout. Gout is a disease with both genetic and environmental influences, with strong familial patterns. The symptoms of gout The following symptoms of gout can help detect the disease early so as to have effective treatment. • Terrible joint pain, particularly overnight: Joint pain is a typical symptom of gout, usually occurring and increasing the intensity of pain at night. The pain is found in your toes, knees, ankles, wrists or fingers. In some patients, joint pain may last for 4-12 hours from the start, and the pain tends to decrease gradually. However, in other patients, the pain may last for weeks, badly affecting their health and daily activities. If gout is not treated timely, the inflammation may expand to many other joints in the body. • Joint swelling: Gout causes joint inflammations (especially in the toes), intense pain (particularly when moving around or being touched), redness and warmth (joints seem to be “on fire”). The pain hinders all your daily activities. The flares of gout attacks may last 5-7 days and then fade away gradually. Aside from the aforementioned symptoms, gout patients may incur fatigue, urinary hesitancy and slight joint stiffness. Doctors’ advice When detecting some gout symptoms, visit a hospital or a doctor to be examined and undertake medical tests (blood tests, X-ray photography and ultrasound scan). The best way to prevent gout is to pay due attention to your diets and daily activities. If any member of your family has gout, you should undertake periodic checkups and tests every six months for early detection of gout and timely treatment, if any. Control your weight to prevent the risk of elevated uric acid levels and reduce pressure on your joints. Have a proper diet: restricting the use of purine-rich foods (organ meats, red meats, certain seafood, and alcohol). Drink enough water and supply yourself with proteins and dietary fiber from beans and peas, eggs and dairy products. Restrict the use of alcoholic beverages and carbonated drinks. Live a healthy life: doing physical exercises every day and trying to join outdoor activities to improve your health.