Richie's disease is a common and complex type of arthritis

Attacks of gout turn life into suffering

Gout mostly occurs as a result of a genetic predisposition.

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Gout is a common and complex form of arthritis, the main cause of which is excessive consumption of meat.

That is why it is called "the disease of the rich."

And gout causes excruciating pain in the joints that turn a patient's life into suffering.

German rheumatologist, Professor Ursula Grieser, explained that gout attacks often appear in joints that have been previously damaged by osteoporosis or accidents, noting that the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe is the most affected joint, because the weight of the entire body depends on it with each step.

She added that the symptoms of osteoporosis often appear without the patient noticing them, so it is recommended that before performing surgery on a joint, it is advisable to rule out that the cause of joint damage is gout.

And gout often occurs as a result of a genetic predisposition that causes the kidneys to excrete uric acid incorrectly, and the second most common cause is kidney weakness.

For his part, the German rheumatology and immunology specialist, Professor George Schet, explained that the elderly represent a particularly vulnerable group, given that kidney functions are often weak in them.

Another risk factor is excessive consumption of meat, which is one of the reasons gout has long been considered a disease of the rich.

The symptoms of gout are joint hotness, redness, swelling, and pain, and in the case of chronic gout, ultrasound helps in the diagnosis, and if gout is diagnosed, necessary measures must be taken.

Gresser explained that in addition to drug treatment, the diet should also change, as it should reduce the consumption of meat and drinks containing fructose.

If the patient suffers from acute arthritis, or chronic joint damage, care must be taken when performing exercises.

Gresser believes that the best way to prevent gout is to detect a possible predisposition early, or to research family history, and to determine the level of uric acid in the blood.

The metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe is the most commonly affected joint because the weight of the entire body depends on it with each step.

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