Gout is a common and painful type of arthritis (swelling in one or more of your joints). It usually first appears in a big toe or lower limb.
But other joints can be affected. Most types of gout are treatable, especially if caught early.
Gout is more common in men. It tends to first arise for them in middle age. Women usually develop gout only after menopause.
Flares of gout often start suddenly at night, with intense pain that may wake you up. Usually, just one joint is affected. It may feel swollen, red, warm, and stiff. Flares usually get better within a couple of weeks.
If left untreated, flares can begin to arise more often and last longer. They may be triggered by certain foods, alcohol, some medications, or illnesses.
Treatment plans are based on symptoms and the cause of your gout. Over-the-counter and prescription medications may help reduce pain and swelling during flares.
Lifestyle changes can also help you manage gout and reduce flares. Eating a heart-healthy diet can help. Also, avoid alcohol, red meats, and seafood to reduce the chance of gout flares.
Losing excess weight may help minimize the number of flares you have.
How to manage gout
Managing gout involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and self-care strategies. Here are some steps you can take to effectively manage gout:
Consult a healthcare professional: If you suspect you have gout or have been diagnosed with it, consult with a healthcare professional.
They can provide an accurate diagnosis, prescribe medications, and offer personalized advice based on your specific situation.
Medication: Your doctor may prescribe medications to manage gout. Commonly prescribed medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), colchicine, and corticosteroids.
These medications help reduce pain, inflammation, and joint swelling during gout attacks.
Your doctor may also prescribe medications to lower uric acid levels in the long term, such as xanthine oxidase inhibitors (e.g., allopurinol) or uricosuric drugs (e.g., probenecid).
Lifestyle changes: Making certain lifestyle modifications can help prevent gout attacks and reduce their severity. Consider the following:
Dietary changes: Limit your intake of purine-rich foods, including organ meats, shellfish, red meat, and certain types of fish (e.g., anchovies, sardines). Avoid high-fructose corn syrup and limit your consumption of alcohol, especially beer, as it can increase uric acid levels.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help flush out uric acid from your body.
Weight management: Maintain a healthy weight or lose weight if necessary, as obesity is associated with an increased risk of gout.
Exercise regularly: Engage in regular physical activity, such as low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, or cycling, to help maintain a healthy weight and promote overall well-being.
Limit alcohol intake: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of gout attacks. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation and avoid binge drinking.
Avoid dehydration: Dehydration can contribute to gout attacks, so be sure to drink enough fluids throughout the day, especially water.
Avoid triggers: Identify and avoid specific triggers that may lead to gout attacks, such as certain medications, stress, and injury to joints.
Cold and hot therapy: Applying ice packs or cold compresses to the affected joint can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain during acute gout attacks.
Conversely, using heat therapy, such as warm towels or heating pads, may help relax muscles and improve circulation between attacks.
Protect the joints: During gout attacks, it’s essential to protect the affected joint. Resting the joint and avoiding putting pressure on it can help reduce pain and speed up recovery.
Educate yourself: Learn more about gout, its triggers, and management strategies.
Understanding the condition can help you make informed decisions and take appropriate measures to prevent or manage gout attacks effectively.
Remember, it’s crucial to work closely with your healthcare professional to develop a personalized plan for managing gout based on your specific needs and medical history.
If you care about pain, please read studies that common painkillers may worsen arthritis inflammation, and new drugs may help treat hand osteoarthritis.
For more information about wellness, please see recent studies that Krill oil could improve muscle health in older people, and scientists find an important cause of common arthritis.
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