Gout- this painful condition is caused by deposit of uric acid crystals in the joints. The uric acid is a bi product of the breakdown of proteins in the body. The joint in the big toe is commonly the first to be affected. Men are much more likely to suffer from gout than women.
Gout can present in a number of ways, although the most usual is a recurrent attack of acute inflammatory arthritis. (a red, tender, hot, swollen joint). The metatarsal –phalangeal joint at the base of the big toe is affected most often, accounting for half of cases. Other joints, such as the heels, knees, wrists, and fingers, may also be affected. Joint pain usually begins over 2–4 hours and during the night, mainly due to lower body temperature. Other symptoms may rarely occur along with the joint pain, including fatigue and a high fever
Long-standing elevated uric acid levels may result in other symptomatology, including hard, painless deposits of uric acid crystals known as tophi. Extensive tophi may lead to chronic arthritis due to bone erosion Elevated levels of uric acid may also lead to crystals precipitating in the kidney, resulting in stone formation and subsequent urate nephropathy
HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES
COLCHICUM 200 :- Colchicum is one of the most indicated remedy for gout. This is specially indicated in cases where high uric acid levels give rise to onset of gout. There may be a sharp pain in the great toe. The affected parts may be swollen and very hot to touch. There could be great sensitivity to touch on account of extreme pain. The pains could be more intense in the evening and night. Slightest effort to move the legs gives rise to a sharp, shooting and unbearablepain in the toe . There may be difficulty to walk on account of pain.
LEDUM PAL-200 :- It is an excellent remedy for gout. The main feature of these cases is that, the pains shift from downwards to upwards. Ledum pal is indicated when the high levels of uric acid in blood may result in its crystals being deposited in the joint spaces. The first attack of pain could be triggered after the person has partied the previous night, especially after consuming meat and alcohol. Patient feels cilly, yet he does not like to be covered as his pains are better by cold.
GUAIACUM OFF. Q :-. It is more suited in chronic cases where the deformities and contractures set in. Guaiacum is very well indicated when there is intolerance to heat in any form. The affected joints may be extremely hot to touch. Guaiacum may be given when there is a bad smell from the body. In some cases, it could be given in very acute cases as well. The affected limb is painful, stiff and immobile.Sciatica and lumbago. Gouty pains, tearing and lancinating .Worse from motion, heat, cold wet weather, from 6 pm to 4 am.Better by external pressure.
LITHIUM CARB 200 :-Another top remedy for gout.The high levels of uric acid give rise to an unusual stiffness all over the body. Another peculiar feature is itching all over the skin of the joints. The pains are relieved by pouring hot water. Uric acid may get deposited in the joint spaces to give rise to nodosities which can be felt externally also. The nodes may also be felt in the finger joints and in some severe cases, they may be felt in the ear pinna
BENZOIC ACID 30 :- This medicine is more indicated when the urinary symptoms are more marked. The uric acid crystals may be deposited in the kidneys or the urinary tract giving rise to stones. On examination, the urine may show very high levels of uric acid. The color of urine may also keep changing from dark brown to pale yellow. There may be a crackling sensation in the joints. The great toe may be swollen and may give rise to difficulty in walking or even moving the limb. Pain often changes position, it relieves the pain.
