Tips To Manage Gout
No cure for gout has been found yet. But the condition can be effectively managed with medication and self-management strategies.
Dr Samarth Desai
Orthopedist
- ENG
Dr Samarth Desai
Orthopedist
Miss Anjali (name changed) went to a coastal area for a family vacation for a week. As coastal areas are famous for their non-vegetarian food, especially seafood such as crabs, prawns, and oysters, they had a wonderful time eating these delicacies every day (almost at every meal). However, on the last day, Anjali experienced stiffness in her fingers along with pain in her joints. The condition was so severe that she could not hold her bag/bottle. When she finally arrived at her place, she visited her doctor only to know that she was suffering from gout.
Gout is a type of rheumatic disease caused by the high levels of uric acid in the blood. However, not everybody with increased blood levels of uric acid gets gout. It occurs when uric acid levels in the blood are extremely high, which in turn leads to the deposition of hard crystals in the joints. Gout is also known as inflammatory arthritis and causes sudden and severe episodes of pain and swelling in the joints.
Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis, particularly in men. It may remit for long time periods, followed by flare-ups for days to weeks or can become chronic. Gout is classified into four different stages:
Asymptomatic stage – In this stage, there is the deposition of uric acid crystals in the tissue; however, people do not show any symptoms. This indicates that hyperuricemia is causing the damage.
Acute stage – This is the second stage in which people suffering from gout experience acute flares. It is characterized by mild or excruciating pain, redness, swelling and warmth in the affected area.
Interval stage – It is the stage between two subsequent attacks of gout. Although you may not experience pain, it does not signify that the condition is treated. In fact, this is the right time to manage your condition with medications and lifestyle changes to prevent future attacks.
Chronic stage – If your uric acid levels in blood remain high for a long time period, it signifies chronic gout. The symptoms become more frequent with severe and sudden pain (which usually lasts for few days or weeks). In rare cases, joint damage can lead to loss of mobility. You can prevent this condition with proper treatment and effective management.
Gout is detected once you experience the first attack; however, there are few signs that can help you to identify the condition in its initial stage:
Uric acid is a by-product of protein metabolism, which is excreted from the body through urine. However, in certain cases, there is an imbalance in the excretion and production of uric acid in the body – a condition known as hyperuricemia. This in turn leads to the deposition of urate crystals in the tissue and between the joints because of--
To lead a healthy life with gout, here is what you should remember.
Diagnosis of gout is based on the symptoms that you experience. Your doctor might enquire about family history and medical background. Depending on the symptoms, you might be recommended a blood test to detect the presence of uric acid crystals in the synovial fluid. A high level of uric acid level in the blood does not necessarily indicate gout; thus, tests to exclude other potential causes of inflammation might be recommended. These include –
X-ray, ultrasound, and MRI – This is used to detect inflammation of soft tissue and bone. Here is everything you should know about MRI.
Microscopic analysis – It involves the examination of fluid from the affected joint for uric acid crystals under a microscope. Positive results indicate gout.
Here are seven diagnostic tests to identify if your joint pain is caused by arthritis.
Medications form the first line of treatment to deal with gout. If the symptoms are present for many years, it leads to the formation of tophi (chalky substances); surgical intervention might be required. The common medications that are prescribed are listed below:
NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs): These drugs are used to treat acute attacks and prevent you from future attacks of gout. Pain and swelling can be reduced with NSAIDs. Certain examples of NSAIDs are ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, indomethacin, and celecoxib.
Steroids: If you cannot take either NSAIDs or pain relievers, your doctor might recommend corticosteroids to ease your pain and inflammation. These are available in the pill form and in the form of an injection.
Moreover, your doctor might recommend medications that lower your risk of future attacks and/complications associated with this condition. These include
Medications for individuals who produce increased amounts of uric acid - These medicines, e.g. allopurinol and febuxostat, help in reducing the amount of uric acid produced by individuals.
Medications to help in eliminating excess uric acid - These medications, e.g. probenecid and pegloticase, are used in individuals who have difficulty in eliminating excess uric acid. They help in removing the excess uric acid via the urine.. Here is how you can naturally reduce uric acid levels.
In case an individual gets an attack of gout at home, certain points should be remembered.
Managing one’s lifestyle can prevent flare-ups and attacks of gout. The following can be adopted as lifestyle modifications.
Prognosis
Here are certain remedies that may ease pain and swelling, common in gout patients
No cure for gout has been found yet. But the condition can be effectively managed with medication and self-management strategies.
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Living a healthy life with gout will need the right management.
Monitoring your protein intake will go a long way in helping you find relief from gout.
These diet tips will prevent uric acid from accumulating in the blood, thus preventing recurring gout attacks.
Uric acid is a substance that is created when chemical compounds found in food, known as purines, break down and are dissolved into the blood.
High levels of serum uric acid in the blood could reduce people's chance of surviving and also reduce their lifespans by up to 11 years, say researchers.
Gout can cause sudden debilitating pain and it can affect your quality of life. But with yoga you can keep this disorder away.
Dietary supplements and energy drinks are mired in controversy due to their possible side-effects. Read on to know more.
Winter can be harmful to your joints. With age, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, idiopathic arthritis or ankylosing spondylosis become common. Here are a few tips on how to keep your joints healthy in winter.
Are you suffering from gout? Here are a few tips to tackle it.
Gout -- a very common condition -- is caused by deposits of crystals of a substance called uric acid.
Did you know a glass of raw potato juice can help lower cholesterol levels?
An expert's opinion on why eggs and milk are actually GOOD for gout.
Is gout making you stay away from eggs? You don't have to. Try this dietician-approved recipe for a spicy pancake!
Who said gout recipes have to be boring? Try this healthy recipe for a paratha bursting with the goodness of multi-grains.
Follow this meal plan to reduce pain and inflammation.
Living a healthy life with gout will need the right management.
Monitoring your protein intake will go a long way in helping you find relief from gout.
These diet tips will prevent uric acid from accumulating in the blood, thus preventing recurring gout attacks.
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