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Gout
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Information - Gout
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid. While it’s most common in men, women can get it too. Your body makes uric acid, and you also get it from certain foods and drinks. The most commonly affected joint is the big toe, but other joints in the foot, ankle, knees, wrists and elbows can be involved.
Gout Symptoms & Diagnosis
In most people, the amount of uric acid the body produces equals the amount being excreted in urine. However, in people with gout, the kidneys can’t get rid of uric acid effectively and it builds up in the blood, forming crystals. If these crystals form inside a joint, your immune system attacks them, causing redness, pain and swelling. Gout is often diagnosed after an attack, which happens suddenly and usually in the early morning hours. Your physician will test your uric acid levels and make the diagnosis. Contrary to popular belief, a blood test does not diagnose gout. Typically, classic symptoms and drainage of a joint to look at crystals are the way to make the diagnosis. Sometimes, months or even years may go by before you have another gout attack. In general, gout flare-ups last between 7 and 10 days. If you experience enough gout attacks, your joints can be permanently damaged.
Gout Treatment
Gout treatment involves initially reducing the pain and swelling plus keeping uric acid at normal levels to reduce or prevent further attacks. Your rheumatologist will want to completely treat your gout attack before you lower uric acid levels, which should ideally be below 360 umol/L (6 mg/dL). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), prednisone, colchicine, allopurinol, febuxostat and steroid injections can be effective gout treatments.
Some patients will be put on a prevention therapy - a medication they take daily. If their level of uric acid is still not low enough, they may have to undergo treatment with acute drugs for a period of time. In terms of lifestyle changes, one of the best ways to prevent gout attacks is to maintain a healthy body weight.
Talk to your rheumatologist if you'd like more information on gout.
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If you have gout, the most commonly affected joint is the big toe, but other joints in the foot, ankle, knees, wrists and elbows can be involved.
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Gout is often diagnosed after an attack, which happens suddenly and usually in the early morning hours.
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In general, gout flare-ups last between 7 and 10 days. If you experience enough gout attacks, your joints can be permanently damaged.
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Gout treatment involves initially reducing the pain and swelling plus keeping uric acid at normal levels to reduce or prevent further attacks.
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Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), prednisone, colchicine, allopurinol, febuxostat and steroid injections can be effective gout treatments.