Gout is a common type of arthritis that can affect anyone. It occurs when crystals of uric acid build up in the joints, leading to inflammation, intense discomfort or pain, usually in one or more joints at the base of the big toe. Gout can also affect other joints, including knees, ankles, feet, hands and wrists, elbows etc. The joint pain associated with gout can come and go (recur) in episodes causing gout attacks because of too much uric acid in the body. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with this condition, it's important to understand the available gout treatment options, as they can prevent future flare-ups.
Treatment for Gout
Gout treatment depends on each person’s symptoms and severity. Two approaches are used that focus on two different problems. The first one helps to reduce the inflammation and pain associated with gout attacks, and the second treatment focuses on reducing the level of uric acid in the blood.
Medicines to treat Gout attack:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Over-the-counter NSAIDs, like ibuprofen and naproxen are available by prescription to treat mild pain and swelling in joints and muscles associated with gout.
Prednisone and other corticosteroid types may help reduce swelling, tenderness, and pain.
Anti-inflammatory drugs like colchicine can effectively reduce gout pain, and is also used to prevent gout attacks.
Medicines to reduce uric acid levels:
- Medications to block uric acid production
The use of drugs such as allopurinol helps to limit the amount of formation of uric acid in your body. However, these medicines have certain side effects including fever, rash, hepatitis and kidney problems. Other medicine that helps to block the formation of uric acid includes febuxostat; however, studies suggest that it may increase the risk of heart-related death.
- Medications that improve uric acid removal
Drugs such as probenecid help remove uric acid from the body, thereby reeducing high levels.
Lifestyle modifications and Home- treatments:
Making lifestyle modifications like healthy food and beverage choices helps treat and prevent recurrent cases of gout.
- Choose healthier beverages
To reduce the level of uric acid in the body, it is advisable to limit the use of alcoholic beverages and drinks sweetened with fruit sugar to treat the gout condition
- Avoid foods high in purines
Avoid taking high-purine foods like red meat and organ meats, and seafood including anchovies, sardines, mussels, scallops, trout and tuna to reduce its byproduct uric acid in the body
- Exercise regularly and lose weight
Maintain a healthy weight by choosing low-impact activities such as walking, bicycling and swimming. These exercises do not impact joints and also help reduce weight.