Most of us have heard a lot about this medical condition. Some have had painful experiences with it. But exactly what is gout? What are its common causes? And can it be cured or avoided at all?

Gout is actually a form of arthritis. An attack can happen all of a sudden seemingly unprovoked. Many people say that it comes on suddenly in the night and it is so painful that just the slight touch of the sheet causes intense pain. It can be found in any joint but it is commonly first reported in the large joint of the big toe. It can be in several other joints as well, it is not limited to the big toe. The wrist, hand, knees or ankles can also be an affected joint. Any joint where uric acid builds up can become very painful and swollen.

Too much uric acid is the cause of gout symptoms. When the body cannot rid itself of enough of the acid it will accumulate in various joints. The crystals that form can cause much swelling and pain. Affected joints can become swollen or red. The condition can last for just a short time, or several days.

It is treatable with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These can be obtained at a local pharmacy without a prescription. However, a doctor can prescribe stronger pharmaceuticals that can help ease the pain and swelling.

There are other things that can be done to help alleviate a painful attack. Although over the counter drugs are effective during a painful attack watching what you eat and drink may keep further attacks from beginning. Eating foods low in purine and high in Vitamin C can help keep uric acid from building up in the blood stream. Drinking plenty of water can also help the body get rid of excess uric acid. This will prevent further attacks as well.

Another method of preventing the onset of an attack is to maintain a proper weight. Obesity can be a contributing factor for developing gout. It can also aggravate the condition during an acute episode. Eating a healthy well balanced diet is advisable. Avoiding foods high in uric acid, such as red meats, organ meats and some seafood can also help evade a painful episode. Consuming lots of fruits, vegetables and other low fat foods can help immensely in the fight against gout.