Gout is a condition in which the sufferer experiences unbearable pain and a feeling of heat/redness in the joint area. Every joint in the body has a risk of developing gout, especially in the knee, ankle and toe joints.
Until now, there are many myths about gout that are spread in society. Before we get consumed by various myths that don't make sense and are wrong, let's learn 5 facts about gout.
- Myth: gout can only attack obese or obese people.
Fact: everyone has the potential to be exposed to uric acid, regardless of body weight. But, people with obesity or overweight are more at risk of gout. In addition, uric acid also often attacks people who have diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol. Apparently, uric acid is also a hereditary disease.
- Myth: Gout only affects the big toe
Fact: uric acid can attack all joints in the body (knees, ankles & hands, fingers & toes). Uric acid that builds up in the blood can form crystals that damage joints, causing the big toe to be the area to be attacked first.
- Myth: only men can get gout
Fact: gout can affect both men and women. However, men do have a higher potential for gout.
- Myth: gout can not be treated
Fact: gout can be treated with various drugs according to doctor's recommendations and prescriptions. In fact, there are several medications that have been formulated to reduce pain and inflammation due to the rapid buildup of uric acid crystals.
- Myth: pain, but gout is not lethal
Fact: uric acid does not kill directly. However, if this condition is left unchecked, gout can increase the risk of developing a more serious disease and be fatal to death. Uric acid can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and insulin retention.
Those are 5 facts about gout that we need to know, so we don't get consumed by myths and understand more about how to deal with and prevent it. To overcome uric acid, we must change our lifestyle and control our weight. Avoid high intake of purines, such as red meat, organ meats, seafood (shrimp, squid, clams, crabs) and replace them with vegetables and vegetable protein such as beans and peas. Adjusting a balanced diet is a key to avoiding gout.
Don't forget to always check yourself regularly at the EMC hospital to detect uric acid as early as possible. That way, medical treatment can be done earlier.
Article written by dr. Stephanie Chandra, Sp.PD (Internal Medicine Specialist, Tangerang EMC Hospital).