Gout is a chronic health condition, which is incurable, but manageable. You cannot get rid of it completely.Its progression can be slowed down and you can prevent gout attacks. The gout flare-ups can be attributed to poor diet and a bad kind of lifestyle. By controlling these two factors, one can decrease the severity of symptoms and reduce the frequency of gout flares and gout attacks.
Most importantly, this condition is a progressive illness that exacerbates with time, this is why it must never be left untreated. Timely treatment will prevent its progression. The treatment is usually given through medications. A combination of medications along with positive lifestyle habits and a gout-friendly diet will prove beneficial in managing the condition in an effective manner.
Treatment for gout
Diagnostic evaluation will be helpful in confirming that the person has gout and ascertaining the joint damage. The tests will reveal the severity, degree of damage, and the levels of uric acid in the blood. The healthcare provider will proceed with the treatment based on the test reports.
The treatment is usually given through a combination of medications. The medications can be in the form of pills that can be orally administered and injections. The medications prescribed will be of two types – first, the type of medications that alleviate the pain and inflammation, and second, the medications that prevent the risk of gout flares and gout attacks and reduce the risk of developing gout-related complications.
The dose and types of medications will be based on the severity, the frequency of gout flare-ups, and the degree of damage it has already caused. As per the Mayo Clinic website, the healthcare expert commonly prescribes three types of medications to reduce the frequency of gout flares and gout attacks. These medications are as follows:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – These drugs can be available over-the-counter (OTC)and do not require a prescription letter from the doctor. Your healthcare provider will prescribe prescription medications which are a safe alternative to OTC remedies. NSAID drugs do cause some side effects, therefore you must become aware of those by asking your healthcare provider before using them.
- Colchicine – These are the medications that prevent gout flares and gout attacks. It relieves the pain and inflammation in the affected joint. These medications are available only on prescription. They do give rise to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Corticosteroids – These are anti-inflammatory medications that alleviate the inflammation in the affected joint and relieve pain. They come in the form of oral pills and injections. Fluctuations or changes in blood pressure and blood sugar levels can be the side effects of these medications.
Home remedies and lifestyle changes for gout
You can effectively manage the symptoms of gout and reduce the chances of frequent gout flares. The pain and inflammation can persist for a few days in people who are already taking the medications. But those who deny the treatment may experience gout flare-ups frequently which can increase their risk of developing gout-related complications, that are joint damage, kidney damage, and loss of bone.
Ways in which one can efficiently manage the condition are given below:
- Relaxing – Stress can trigger gout symptoms and exacerbate the pain. This is why you must learn to relax and relieve stress. You can provide an outlet to the stress by doing some leisure activities like reading, cooking, swimming, and so on.
- Stay hydrated – Drinking plenty of water will keep your body adequately hydrated.It will help in getting rid of uric acid by eliminating it through excretion. Hydration improves the function of the kidneys, and since uric acid is a waste product, the kidneys will work more efficiently to throw it out of the body and reduce uric acid levels.
- Limit alcohol consumption – Alcohol spikes up the levels of uric acid in the body, which can lead to gout flares and gout attacks. So, it is necessary to reduce the consumption of alcohol.
- Use ice packs – To reduce the inflammation and get relief, you can make use of ice packs. Just apply the ice pack to the affected joint for around 15 to 20 minutes.
- Drink a cup of coffee – According to the National Institutes of Health, caffeine can reduce the levels of uric acid in the body and prevent the risk of gout attacks.
- Drink lemon water – Some studies have found that lemons can lower the levels of uric acid in the body. So, you can squeeze two lemons in 2liters of water and sip it everyday day.
Gout is a type of arthritis, which gives rise to pain and inflammation in the knees, ankles, elbows, fingers, and wrists. The condition commonly affects the big toe in most people. The toes wells and turns red and tender. It causes difficulties while walking.
The lowdown
The condition occurs when the uric acid levels in the body rise. The atoms of uric acid due to their high concentration in the blood, bind together and crystallize. These crystals accumulate around the joints, which gives rise to pain and inflammation. The pain can become severe for a few days and then disappear. It can start suddenly after the rise in the levels of uric acid. Hence, to maintain lower levels of uric acid in the body, you must get the treatment essentially and make necessary changes to your lifestyle.