How to Tell if Your Parent Has Gout

Although gout is common, many people don’t know a lot about it. They may even be unaware that it’s a kind of arthritis. Because gout can be very painful and come on suddenly, it can be disconcerting, especially if your parent doesn’t know what is going on. Understanding the condition and knowing its symptoms can help to get your elderly parent the medical care they need as soon as possible.

Gout Caused by Uric Acid

Elder Care Faith, NC: Gout and Seniors

Gout occurs when too much uric acid builds up in the body. It causes urate crystals to form in joints. The crystals are sharp, so when they rub against the tissues of the joint, it hurts. Uric acid is produced when purines are broken down in the body. Purines occur naturally in the body, but they are also in some foods. Some foods that contain purines are steak, organ meats, and seafood. In addition, drinking alcoholic beverages and beverages that contain fructose can cause the body to produce more uric acid.

In addition to eating a diet rich in purines, there are some other things that can increase your parent’s chances of getting gout, such as:
• Obesity: Obesity causes the body to make more uric acid. It also makes it harder for the kidneys to dispose of it.
• Some Conditions: There are some conditions that increase the likelihood of gout, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney disease.
• Medications: Certain medications increase the chances of gout, especially diuretics and low-dose aspirin.
• Family History: If other people in the family have gout, your parent is more likely to get it, too.

Signs Your Parent Has Gout
An attack of gout nearly always happens suddenly. It also tends to happen at night. Some of the symptoms of gout are:
• Joint Pain: The joint pain associated with gout is typically severe. It can happen in any joint, but usually happens in the joint at the base of the big toe. The pain is usually at its worst for the first 4 to 12 hours.
• Lasting Discomfort: After the worst of the pain is gone, your parent might have an uncomfortable feeling in the joint for days or even weeks.
• Inflammation and Redness: The joint may be swollen, look red, and feel tender when touched.

If your parent develops gout, an elder care provider can help them until the pain subsides. An elder care provider can allow them to rest with their feet up. The elder care provider can bring them items they need, like the television remote or telephone, so they don’t have to get up. In addition, elder care providers can cook meals for them, help them walk around the house when they need to, and keep the house tidy.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Elder Care in Faith, NC,contact the caring professionals at Tender Hearted Home Care today. Callus at(704) 207-0265.

Sources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gout/symptoms-causes/syc-20372897
https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/understanding-gout-symptoms
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/144827.php