Gout (also called metabolic arthritis) is a disease due to a congenital disorder of uric acid metabolism. In this condition, monosodium urate or uric acid crystals are deposited on the articular cartilage of joints, tendons and surrounding tissues due to elevated concentrations of uric acid in the blood stream.

This provokes an inflammatory reaction of these tissues. These deposits often increase in size and burst through the skin to form sinuses discharging a chalky white material. The classic picture is of excruciating, sudden, unexpected, burning pain, swelling, redness, warmness and stiffness in the joint. Low-grade fever may also be present. The patient usually suffers from two sources of pain. The crystals inside the joint cause intense pain whenever the affected area is moved. The inflammation of the tissues around the joint also causes the skin to be swollen, tender and sore if it is even slightly touched. For example, a blanket or even the lightest sheet draping over the affected area could cause extreme pain.

Who can get gout?

• Individuals with bad diets, who consume large or frequent quantities of red meat, fish, fruit sugars and alcohol. All the mentioned foods promotes higher levels of uric acid.
• If you are overweight, your chances of developing gout is higher.
• Individuals who suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease are more likely to develop gout.
• Medication used for hypertension and aspirin can increase the uric acid levels in your blood.
• If gout runs in the family.
• Age & sex. Men are more likely to develop gout than women. Men can develop gout in their early 30’s and are at risk until old age. Women have lower levels of uric acid, but can develop gout after menopause.
• Recent surgery or trauma have shown to increase your chances.

If you believe, you might be suffering from gout, make an appointment with your doctor immediately. If gout is left untreated it can lead to the pain worsening and you can end up with joint damage.

The best way to reduce your chances of developing gout or preventing a reoccurrence, is by improving your lifestyle and making the right food choices. Stay active by taking the stairs rather than the elevator, take daily walks in your neighbourhood or join a gym. Steer clear of alcoholic beverages, fruit juice, red meat, fish and organ meat. Ozone Therapy can help reduce the signs and symptoms of gout and can prevent reoccurrence. Ozone can reduce inflammation, break up acid crystals, neutralize uric acid, reduce pain, decrease swelling, speed up recovery, neutralize toxins & impurities in the body and increase your body’s oxygen level.

For more information on Ozone Therapy, contact us today!

Salvagente

+27 (0)72 4221967
[email protected]

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