does gout affect the knees

Gout is a condition that is caused due to a build-up or accumulation of uric acid in a person’s blood. This condition is known to occur in about 5% of the individuals that suffer from arthritis. Uric acid is a byproduct that is produced when purines (a waste substance in the body) are broken down. Normally, purine gets dissolved in our blood, goes on to get processed by our kidneys and is eventually flushed out of the system through our urine. This process however, may not be performed adequately in some individuals, as a result of which there is an abnormal accumulation of uric acid. This excessive quantity of uric acid becomes difficult for the kidneys to eliminate. When this happens, the extra uric acid that is now present in the blood crystallizes and gradually begins to build-up in the spaces between the joints, thus causing gout.

This condition causes inflammation or swelling that is most commonly seen in the elbows, wrists, hands, feet and knees. Thus, to answer you question, gout can affect the knee joints as well. Here are few home remedies that can help treat this condition. To a glass of warm water add some freshly squeezed juice from half a lemon. This concoction should be had 2-3 times daily. Lemon is a good source of Vitamin C; this will help in dissolving the deposits. Bananas are also considered to be effective in treating gout as they contain phosphorous, which reacts with purine deposits and helps in getting rid of them. Consuming 3-4 bananas on a daily basis will help in fighting this condition. Consuming 3 apples daily will also help treat this condition. Apples contain malic acid, which helps in neutralizing the uric acid and thus serves as an effective remedy.

To gain relief from gout pain, you could place a cold compress or an ice pack on the affected area. This will help in alleviating pain to some extent. Mix equal quantities of powdered mustard and whole wheat powder. Add a few drops of water in order to make a thick paste; this should then be applied on to the affected area. This will also help in gaining relief from gout pain. Exercising regularly is also considered to be good for this condition. The main focus should be on exercises that involve the stretching of the muscles and joints. Increase your intake of foods that are good sources of vitamin C, namely; green leafed vegetables, green pepper, tomatoes, berries and citrus fruits.

answered by G M

• Eat around 20 sweet or sour cherries initially and then as the condition improves, reduce it to 10 cherries a day.
• Add 100 ml each of beet and cucumber juice to 300 ml of carrot juice and drink it once daily.
• Take 150 ml of string beans or French beans juice everyday.
• Eat 1 apple after every meal as the malic acid contained in it neutralizes the uric acid and provides relief.
• Go on an exclusive banana diet by eating around 10 bananas daily for a period of 3 days continuously. You should not eat anything during this time.
• Squeeze the juice of half a lime in 1 glass of water and drink it everyday. Vitamin C cures the sore joints and the citric acid in it acts as a solvent for uric acid.
• You can also go on an all fruit juice diet for the first 3 days and then follow it up with and all fruit and raw vegetable salad diet for another 2 days.
• Maintain an optimum weight and drink 8 to 10 glasses of water everyday.
• Do not try hot or cold compress for relief as there might be inflammation and the condition may become severe.

answered by D D