Treatment of Gout

TREATMENT OF GOUT

Treatment of Gout. One excruciating type of arthritis is gout. Sharp crystals may develop in your joints (typically your big toe) if your body has an excess of uric acid. Gout attacks are episodes in which symptoms such as pain and edema flare up then subside. Typically, treatment consists of both dietary changes and symptom management.

TREATMENT OF GOUT

Urate crystals build up in your joints, resulting in gout attacks, which are characterized by severe pain and inflammation. When your blood has large amounts of uric acid, uric acid crystals may form. Purines are naturally occurring substances that your body breaks down to produce uric acid.

Symptoms

Intense pain, discoloration or redness, stiffness, swelling, tenderness, even to a light touch (such as a bedsheet covering your affected joint), warmth, or the sensation that the joint is “on fire” are all possible symptoms of a gout attack, which can occur suddenly, frequently overnight.

Causes

An accumulation of excess uric acid in your body causes gout. Your body naturally creates uric acid as it breaks down compounds called purines found in certain foods and drinks. Uric acid is typically removed from your blood by your kidneys and expelled when you urinate. Uric acid can occasionally be produced in excess by your body or removed from your bloodstream too slowly by your kidneys. Uric acid crystals may accumulate and find their way into your joints if your body has hyperuricemia, or elevated uric acid levels. The jagged crystals aggregate and produce unexpected flare-ups of pain, edema, and other symptoms.
A transient elevation in uric acid does not guarantee the development of gout. Gout never strikes many hyperuricemia sufferers.

Sugary beverages and confections: A typical table sugar contains half fructose, or fruit sugar, which decomposes into uric acid. Gout can be brought on by any food or beverage that contains a lot of sugar.
Also, a concentrated type of fructose is high fructose corn syrup. High fructose corn syrup is often found in packaged foods and processed snacks.
Alcohol: Alcohol keeps uric acid from being removed by your kidneys, causing it to return to your body where it keeps building up, even though not all alcoholic beverages are high in purines.

Treatment

Although, During a gout attack, over-the-counter (OTC) NSAIDs such as naproxen and ibuprofen might lessen discomfort and swelling. NSAIDs should not be taken by certain people who have stomach ulcers, kidney disease, or other medical conditions. Talk to your provider before using NSAIDs.
Colchicine: If taken within 24 hours of a gout episode, the prescription drug colchicine can help with pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory prescription drugs. Oral (by mouth) pills may be prescribed by your physician. Corticosteroids may also be injected intramuscularly (into a muscle close to your joint) or into the afflicted joints.

Prevention

However, limiting the frequency of high-purine foods and beverages is the greatest strategy to avoid developing gout. To help your kidneys work better and prevent dehydration, make sure you drink lots of water. Regular exercise helps lessen joint stress and lowers your chances of obesity and other diseases that increase your risk of developing gout.

Summary

Also, one excruciating type of arthritis is gout. Your body’s excess uric acid produces jagged crystals that build up in your joints, resulting in pain, swelling, and other symptoms. Discuss with your doctor how medication and dietary adjustments can help you control your symptoms and lessen the frequency of future attacks.