A gout is a form of arthritis that causes severe pain, tenderness, swelling and inflammation in joints. A high level of uric acid is the main cause of gout.
The uric acid crystallises when kidneys fail to filter the acid produced by the body. These crystals lodge themselves around the joints leading to severe pain. It mainly affects the big toe. If left untreated, gout can cause kidney stones and permanent joint damage.
Causes of gout
Obesity, high blood pressure and/or diabetes
Kidney problems
Family history
Consuming a lot of meat, seafood
Protein-rich food or pulses like rajma, soybean
Alcohol, beer, and artificial drinks
Symptoms
The joint is red, shiny
Hot and tender to touch
Swelling in and around the affected joint
Shooting pain
Effects
Causes pain mainly in the big toe and sometimes in fingers, wrists, elbows, ankle and knees
Pain spreads faster
Worsens due to improper footwear
Intense pain that strikes mostly in the night
It can cause lumps or growth around joints
Treatment
Drink water
Apply an ice pack to the affected area
Avoid trigger foods like pulses, meat, seafood, and alcohol
Lifestyle changes
Controlling uric acid with medication
Self-help treatment like Sujok Therapy
How Sujok Therapy works
In Sujok, you can manage pain by stimulating the meridian points located in your hands. For gout in the big toe, apply or make blue colour dots (as shown in the figure) on the middle and ring finger. You can make the blue dot with a ball point pen or a sketch pen. The treatment points will change depending on the affected area. The colour blue is associated with coolness as per the six energy concept. Applying this colour to the said points brings down swelling and inflammation. You can also lightly massage or press the areas. This reduces pain.
(Rajshree Vora is an obesity consultant, dietitian and nutritionist, Sujok therapist, counsellor, and yoga therapist. You can write to her at enquiry@rajshreeyoga.com. Those who want to learn Sujok Therapy can contact 9320012342)
