Gouty arthritis is often just called "gout." This is a condition where there is an overabundance of uric acid in the system. Under normal circumstances, uric acid gets flushed from the body through the urine. But when you have gout, uric acid builds up and forms urate crystals that localize at joint locations, causing swelling and pain. The big toe is often the first joint where this is seen, but it can happen in any joint. Treatment for gout involves conventional medicine and lifestyle adjustments.
Step 1
See your doctor about medications. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used for pain relief when you have gout. Examples of these include ibuprofen and naproxen. Colchicine is a drug that can be used but it has to be prescribed by a doctor.
Step 2
Take prednisone. Prednisone is a type of steroid that can be taken in pill form, or your doctor can inject it into the joint.
Step 3
Get fluid drawn out of your joint. In a process called "aspiration," your doctor can inject a needle into your affected joint and draw out fluid to improve mobility, and test it for urate crystals and check for an infection.
Step 4
Avoid foods high in purines. Purines are substances found in certain foods that get converted to uric acid in the body when they are eaten. Avoid foods high in purine content like anchovies, organ meats, yeast, mackerel, herring and sweetbreads. Beans, beef, chicken and fish are moderately high, so you should keep your intake limited (see References for high purine foods).
Step 5
Cut out the alcohol. Alcohol is already known for the impact it can have on the liver and brain, but it can also affect gout. According to the Mayo Clinic, alcohol can inhibit the excretion of uric acid from the body. Eliminate alcohol completely to avoid having gout flare-ups.
Step 6
Drink plenty of water. Water can keep you hydrated and it can also aid in digestion. When it comes to gout, it can help flush uric acid from urine and blood. The Institute of Medicine recommends women get approximately 2.7 total liters a day and men get approximately 3.7 liters a day.
Step 7
Eat dark colored berries. Cherries, blackberries, blueberries and purple grapes can help lower the amount of uric acid in the body. Eat these on a daily basis; it doesn't matter if they are fresh or in the form of juice.
