Gout in the Recklinghausen district: 1,497 affected, men particularly badly affected!

Gout in the Recklinghausen district: 1,497 affected, men particularly badly affected!

In the Recklinghausen district, the alarm bells are loud! Last year, an incredible 1,497 AOK insured person suffered from the agonizing pain of the gout. Men who leave women (496) significantly behind with a share of 67 percent (1,001) are particularly affected. This painful metabolic disease, which often begins with nocturnal pain, swelling and redness, especially men aged 45 and over. Women, on the other hand, are usually spared longer because the female hormones offer certain protection.

The causes of gout

The main cause of gout is too high uric acid level in the blood, which leads to painful inflammation in the joints. "Poor eating habits with high meat and alcohol consumption are often the culprits," explains Jörg Kock, AOK service manager. An acute gout attack is not only extremely painful, but can also lead to serious restrictions on movement and even kidney stones. If the uric acid is not sufficiently excreted via the kidneys, it is stored in the joints and can lead to joint deformations in the long term.

gout runs in painful bumps that are triggered by an excessive uric acid level. In order to avoid the agonizing seizures, an immediate change in lifestyle and nutrition is essential. The good news: Even if Gout is not curable, those affected can often lead to a symptom -free life with the right therapy. AOK Nordwest offers numerous health courses and nutritional training to help those affected to improve their lifestyle sustainably. Further information can be found on the AOK website.