Gout is a type of arthritis that can be extremely painful. Successful treatments are available, but they must be started right away. Those who are at higher risk for gout attacks include men, people who are overweight, drink alcohol or have high cholesterol. You can take steps to lower the risk of gout attacks if you are prone to attacks.
Gout
Gout occurs when excess uric acid accumulates in the joints. It can be painful, especially in the joints of the feet and legs. A urine sample can confirm the amount of uric acid present. Urine is usually collected over a 24-hour period and sent to the lab. Gout symptoms often come on suddenly, and the joint is likely to be warm, red and tender. Pain usually subsides after several days. If gout is chronic, it can cause deformity in the affected joints and limit motion. Uric acid deposits called tophi can develop in tendons, cartilage and soft tissues. Deposits can build up in the kidneys as well, sometimes leading to chronic kidney failure.
Self-Care Treatment
Because gout can be extremely painful and because it often strikes the big toe, you should try to stay off that foot. Rest in bed, with either an ice pack or a heating pad on the joint to help ease the pain. Sometimes even the weight of clothing or bed covers can cause discomfort, so avoid those. You can also take ibuprofen or Aleve to help with the pain.
Drug Treatment
Cortisone is often prescribed to relieve acute attacks. Colchicine, a drug that comes from the autumn crocus plant, can be taken to alleviate an attack and to prevent further attacks. Allopurinol is a drug that inhibits uric acid synthesis and is often prescribed to keep gout under control. Probenecid reduces uric acid levels by speeding up its removal in the urine. You should drink plenty of water and other fluids to lower your risk of kidney complications when taking these drugs.
Prevention and Diet
Uric acid is actually a by-product of purines, substances found naturally in the body and in certain foods. The following foods have high levels of purines and should be avoided by gout sufferers: anchovies, game meats such as venison and duck, gravies, herring, organ meats, sardines and scallops. Some experts advise cutting down to 6 oz. of lean meat or fish daily because protein can increase uric acid levels. Frozen or fresh cherry juice, because of its high vitamin C content, is sometimes recommended for prevention. Blueberries and strawberries, too, have antioxidant properties and neutralize uric acid.
References
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Gout, and What to do About It
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gout
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- Mayoclinic.org: Can Gout Be Improved Through Diet?
