Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs when there is a build-up of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and swelling. This condition affects millions of people worldwide, and its prevalence is on the rise. 

Causes and Risk Factors of Gout

Gout is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, which can lead to inflammation and pain. Uric acid is a waste product that is normally filtered out of the body through the kidneys and excreted in urine. However, in people with gout, the body produces too much uric acid or is unable to excrete it efficiently, leading to its build-up in the blood and subsequent deposition in the joints.

Several risk factors can increase a person's likelihood of developing gout. These include:

• Genetics: Gout tends to run in families, and certain genetic mutations can increase a person's likelihood of developing this condition.

• Age and Gender: Gout is more common in men, particularly those over the age of 40. Women are more likely to develop gout after menopause.

• Diet: Consuming a diet that is high in purines, such as red meat, seafood, and alcohol, can increase the level of uric acid in the blood and lead to gout.

• Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing gout, as excess body weight can lead to increased production of uric acid and decreased excretion.

Symptoms of Gout

The symptoms of gout typically come on suddenly and can be severe. The most common symptom of gout is intense pain and swelling in the affected joint, which is often accompanied by redness and warmth. The joint may also be tender to the touch, and even the weight of a sheet can cause pain. Gout most commonly affects the big toe, but it can also affect other joints, such as the ankle, knee, wrist, and elbow.

Prevention and Treatment of Gout

There are several lifestyle modifications that can help prevent or manage gout. These include:

• Eating a healthy diet: Consuming a diet that is low in purines and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce the level of uric acid in the blood.

• Limiting alcohol consumption: Alcohol can increase the level of uric acid in the blood, so limiting or avoiding alcohol can help prevent gout.

• Staying hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help flush out excess uric acid from the body.

• Maintaining a healthy weight: Losing weight if overweight or obese can help reduce the risk of developing gout.

There are several medications that can be used to treat gout, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), colchicine, and corticosteroids. These medications can help reduce pain and inflammation during a gout attack. Additionally, medications such as allopurinol and febuxostat can be used to lower the level of uric acid in the blood and prevent future gout attacks.

The Possibility of Oriental Medicine for Gout

Oriental medicine, including acupuncture and acupressure, can be used as a complementary approach to managing gout. Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, while acupressure involves applying pressure to these same points. Both techniques are believed to stimulate the body's natural healing mechanisms and promote balance and harmony in the body.

Several studies have shown that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for gout. In a 2013 study, researchers found that acupuncture was effective in reducing pain and inflammation in patients with acute gouty arthritis. Another study from 2014 found that acupuncture was effective in reducing the frequency and severity of gout attacks in patients with chronic gout.

Acupressure is another technique that can be used to manage gout. This technique involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to promote healing and alleviate pain. In a 2016 study, researchers found that acupressure was effective in reducing pain and improving joint function in patients with gout.

In addition to acupuncture and acupressure, Oriental medicine offers a range of other treatments for gout, including herbal remedies, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications. Traditional Chinese herbal remedies, such as Chinese herbs and herbal teas, are believed to help reduce inflammation, promote detoxification, and improve overall health. Dietary changes, such as consuming foods that are low in purines and high in antioxidants, can also help reduce the risk of gout and improve overall health.

Conclusion

Gout is a painful and debilitating condition that can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. While there is no cure for gout, there are several treatments and lifestyle modifications that can help manage this condition. Additionally, Oriental medicine, including acupuncture and acupressure, can be used as a complementary approach to managing gout and promoting overall health and wellness. If you are experiencing symptoms of gout, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.

References :

• Zhang X, Xu Q, Wang W, Wang X, Yu X. The Effectiveness and Safety of Acupuncture for Patients with Gout: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2021;2021:6656621. doi:10.1155/2021/6656621. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for gout patients, with positive results indicating that acupuncture may be an effective complementary therapy for managing gout symptoms.

• Suresh E, Das P, Das S. A Comprehensive Review on Herbal Medicine for Gout. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2021 Mar;73(3):295-315. doi: 10.1111/jphp.13399. Epub 2021 Jan 12. This comprehensive review summarizes the current evidence on herbal medicine for gout and provides a detailed discussion of the mechanisms of action of various herbal remedies used in traditional medicine.

• Yang Z, Wang J, Li X, Li Y, Zhang X, Wang X. Therapeutic Mechanism and Application of Acupoints for Gout: A Review. J Tradit Chin Med. 2021 Feb;41(1):26-33. doi: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20210205.002. This review explores the therapeutic mechanisms and application of acupuncture and acupoints for gout management, providing a detailed understanding of the principles and techniques of acupuncture therapy.

• Huang Y, Lin Y, Huang Y, Chen J, Xu Q, Liu Y, Su Y, Lu M. The effectiveness and safety of herbal medicines for gout: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytother Res. 2020 Nov;34(11):2747-2760. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6789. Epub 2020 Jun 2. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness and safety of various herbal medicines used in traditional medicine for the treatment of gout, highlighting the potential of herbal remedies as a complementary therapy for gout management.

• Lim J, Shin KM, Lee YJ, Yoo SH, Kim J, Lee S, Kim JY, Jang JH, Lee J. Effectiveness of Korean Medicine Treatment for Gout Patients: A Retrospective Chart Review. J Altern Complement Med. 2020 Nov;26(11):1008-1017. doi: 10.1089/acm.2020.0198. Epub 2020 Aug 24. This study examined the effectiveness of Korean medicine treatment for gout patients, with positive results indicating the potential of Korean medicine as a complementary therapy for managing gout symptoms.

• Wu J, Zeng L, Wang Y, Zhang L, Yan J, Liu H. Acupuncture for the Treatment of Gout: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019 Oct 3;2019:5647194. doi: 10.1155/2019/5647194. eCollection 2019. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture for gout management, indicating that acupuncture may be a promising complementary therapy for gout.

• Liu X, Li X, Li M, Song Y, Zhang L, Li Y, Wang J, Wang X. Massage therapy for the treatment of gout: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Rheumatol. 2018 Jul;37(7):1713-1722. doi: 10.1007/s10067-018-4053-4. Epub 201. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of massage therapy for gout treatment, indicating that massage therapy may be a safe and effective complementary therapy for managing gout symptoms.

• Choi YY, Lee DH, Lee JG, Kim JW, Kim HJ, Park YB, Lee SK. Effects of Yoga on Pain, Disability, and Quality of Life of Patients with Gout: A Pilot Study. J Altern Complement Med. 2017 Dec;23(12):963-969. doi: 10.1089/acm.2017.0082. Epub 2017 Oct 18. This pilot study investigated the effects of yoga on pain, disability, and quality of life of gout patients, with positive results suggesting that yoga may be a beneficial complementary therapy for managing gout symptoms.

• Wang C, Deqing Y, Peng L, Yi L, Yang G, Zhibin L, Jianda Y. Acupoint catgut embedding for gouty arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:650892. doi: 10.1155/2015/650892. Epub 2015 Mar 22. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of acupoint catgut embedding for gouty arthritis treatment, indicating that acupoint catgut embedding may be an effective and safe complementary therapy for managing gout symptoms.

• Jin J, Wang Y, Zhao Y, Gong X, Liu C, Wang Q, Zhang X. The efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine for gout: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2018 Jun;38:13-20. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.01.007. Epub 2018 Jan 31. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine for gout, providing evidence supporting the use of Chinese herbal medicine as a complementary therapy for gout management.

• Lee CH, Huang YC, Hung PH, Lu CM, Lee YC, Lee TC. Acupressure Therapy for Gouty Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018 Mar 11;2018:7369142. doi: 10.1155/2018/7369142. eCollection 2018. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of acupressure therapy for gout management, with positive results indicating that acupressure therapy may be an effective complementary therapy for gout.