All You Want To Know About Gout

What is Gout?

Gout is said to occur when one experiences sudden and sharp pain along with the appearance of redness and tenderness in body joints, especially below the base of the big toe. The affected joint becomes inflamed and so hot that sometimes even light weight can seem intolerable. Gout is also known to be a complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone.
The symptoms of Gout often appear when one is asleep and can include piercing joint pain, discomfort, swelling and limited range of motion.

You can see the gout in the joint of the big toe - By Hellerhoff

What Causes Gout?

When levels of uric acid in the blood increase, it can lead to the formation of urate crystals which can accumulate in the joints. This further leads to swelling and intense Gout attack. Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down purines, substances found naturally in the body and some food types like steak and seafood. Other food types that can lead to high levels of uric acid in the body can include beer, drinks with fructose etc. Even though uric acid is excreted out via the kidneys, if excessive levels are being produced by the body, it can be retained in the blood nonetheless. When this occurs, sharp, needle-like uric crystals appear in tissue surrounding joints that causes Gout.
Gout can be influenced by other factors like obesity, medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes etc., certain medications, heredity, age and sex as well.

When to Seek Treatment For Gout

Bowen Therapy can be effective at any stage during a gout attack. If used in the early stages, Bowen therapy may diffuse the intensity of the gout attack.
Bowen can still be very effective in the very painful stages of gout, by helping to loosen the tissues in the calf, ankle or around the foot that often tighten up during  a gout attack of the toe. Increasing circulation to the area may help the body to flush out the uric crystals causing the pain, and reduce the severity of the inflammation in the joint. 
In the final stages, the inflammation following a gout attack can sometimes linger around for weeks or months, which Bowen Therapy can help clear up.

You can read some reviews from Louis's clients on the Review page here, or Book Online here for a Treatment for Gout in Geelong using Bowen Therapy. We're open till 9pm on weekdays and Saturday.