by Ambrose Hutson If you’re like most people, you believe that gout is a disease brought on by excessive drinking and overeating. Gout has carried this stigma for many years, and it’s why so many gout patients too embarrassed to seek proper medical treatment. Gout is a medical condition that is quite prevalent in modern day society; however, few realize that it is actually a form of arthritis. Gout is a disease that is trademarked by a high degree of pain that is centralized on one particular joint. More often than not, in about seventy-five percent of all cases, gout is present in the big toe. The condition causes intense pain, swelling, stiffness, and a warm feeling in the affected area. What Causes Gout? The exact cause of gout is still unknown, but most scientists agree that the root of the problem lies in the body’s inability to metabolize purine. A naturally occurring substance in the human body, purine becomes metabolized into uric acid, and people with gout generally have increased levels of uric acid production in their systems. The development of gout may be attributed to the body’s inability to properly excrete uric acid. The actual problems caused by gout are directly linked to the crystallization of uric acid within the body. This crystallization causes the swelling and intense pain experienced by those suffering with gout. The development of gout is still the center of much controversy. Many believe that gout is caused by ongoing or excessive use of alcohol, coupled with improper diet and inactivity. Those with a diet low in purine-neutralizing foods such as strawberries, cherries, and celery may be at a higher risk of gout development. People at risk of developing gout should avoid foods that are high in purine such as alcohol, sardines, anchovies, scallops and diet soda. Each of these foods possesses high levels of purine and should be avoided when decreasing the risk of developing gout. Treatments When the agonizing pain of gout strikes, there are only a few options available. The pain can be so intense that even a light blanket draped over the feet brings about terrible suffering. Soaking in a warm bath can help to increase blood circulation in the affected area and help to reduce the swelling. This can also lead to a decreased amount of crystallization of the uric acids that cause the disease. Placing an ice pack on the affected area is one common misconception that should be avoided. Some people believe that this can decrease the pain and swelling of gout, but it actually aggravates the problem. Lower temperatures only increase the crystallization of uric acids in the body. When discussing the problem with gout with your doctor, there are a number of solutions that he or she may suggest to aid your suffering. Some common recommendations include a drug named indomethacin. Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also be prescribed. NSAIDs are used to decrease the inflammation of the affected area, and they provide some degree of pain relief. Gout attacks will come and go, often flaring up without warning. Many doctors prescribe allopurinol, a drug that can help to reduce the body’s production of uric acid and limit the amount of crystallization that may occur. Don’t be embarrassed if gout strikes you. See your doctor right away, and get the relief that you need. Find out more about the treatment methods that can help you enjoy a pain-free lifestyle. About the Author: Author Ambrose Hutson enjoys writing articles for a variety of popular Internet sites, on healthy care and womens fitness topics.