What is Gout Disease Treatment?
Gout is a common form of arthritis that causes sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in joints. It is caused by high levels of uric acid in the bloodstream. Uric acid in high levels crystallizes and forms needle-like deposits in joints, called tophi, resulting in sudden attacks of arthritic gout. The most commonly affected joint is the joint at the base of the big toe. Attacks are often overnight and are extremely painful.
The causes of Gout Disease Treatment include diet, genetics, medications and chronic medical conditions. High levels of uric acid in the bloodstream are responsible for gout attacks. Uric acid is produced when food containing purines (proteins found in foods like red meat and seafood) are broken down by the body. Some people naturally produce excess uric acid due to genetic factors or certain medicines like diuretics or water pills. Chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure or chronic kidney disease also increase risk of gout by impairing uric acid clearance by kidneys.
Lifestyle Modification for Gout Disease Treatment
Some effective lifestyle modifications can help reduce uric acid levels and prevent gout attacks. Losing weight if overweight or obese helps reduce uric acid production. Limiting alcohol intake to 2 drinks or less per day avoids uric acid build up. Following dietary modifications such as limiting consumption of high purine foods is also recommended. Avoiding seafoods and meats like organ meats, anchovies, sardines, mackerel, herring, dried beans and peas also helps lower uric acid levels. Drinking plenty of water daily (6-8 glasses) aids in flushing excess uric acid out of the body through urine and prevents its build up in joints.
Acute gout attacks are usually treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen as it provides pain relief by reducing inflammation. Colchicine is also used to treat acute attacks as it both eases pain and decreases inflammation. For preventing future gout attacks, long term daily medication is required. Uricosuric drugs like probenecid work by increasing uric acid elimination from the kidneys through urine. Xanthine oxidase inhibitors allopurinol and febuxostat decrease urate production in the first place. These drugs can prevent further gout attacks when taken regularly as maintenance therapy. Injectable medications may also be prescribed for severe or treatment-resistant gout.
Alternatives to Mainstream Drugs
Herbs and natural remedies are also commonly used by people to treat gout or reduce its frequency. Cherries and cherry extract help prevent gout attacks as they contain anthocyanins that reduce uric acid levels. Drinking tart cherry juice has been shown to lower uric acid production. Other supplements like vitamin C and plant-derived polyphenols can help as uric acid lowering effects. Apple cider vinegar (diluted with water) consumption provides relief to gout pain and reduces inflammation as it is rich in acetic acid that balances body pH. Baking soda taken with water can help dissolve urate crystals and relieve gout attacks. Essential oils massage along with hot and cold treatment also eases gout pain and inflammation. Avoiding animal protein, dairy and refined carbs in diet helps switch the body metabolism away from uric acid production.
Rarely, Gout Treated with Surgery
for severe or treatment-resistant gout cases. In severe tophi (uric acid deposits) build up surgery may be recommended to remove these deposits from affected joints for relieving pressure and pain. Surgical removal of tophi may be performed when they block movement or cause damage to joints like fingers or ears. In cases where frequent recurring kidney stones are a constant problem due to very high uric acid, surgery called renal denervation can help reduce kidney stone risk. This involves using a catheter to treat and cool down nerves in the kidneys responsible for uric acid resorption. Doctors will consider this only as a last option when other medical treatments fail long term. Lifestyle management and medications continue even after any minor surgical intervention, as surgery alone cannot cure gout which is essentially metabolic in origin.
Gout arises due to increased levels of uric acid in the bloodstream leading to painful attacks of acute arthritis. Risk factors include genetics, diet, medication usage and chronic diseases. Key treatment involves identification and management of attacks with NSAIDs or colchicine. Additionally maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol and high purine foods and increasing water intake helps prevent gout attacks. Medicines like allopurinol maintain long term control to prevent future episodes when taken regularly. Natural remedies, supplements and dietary changes also aid in gout treatment or relief. Surgery is rarely needed and lifestyle modifications remain central to effective gout management.
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Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights.
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