Gout Treatments that Work: A Path to Long-Term Relief

Gout is a kind of arthritis that causes pain and swelling in the joints. People with gout usually experience sudden attacks, often starting in the big toe or a lower limb, and these attacks can last for a week or two before going away. 

Gout can develop when there is a persistently high level of uric acid in the body, which leads to the formation of needle-like crystals in and around a joint, causing inflammation. The body either makes too much uric acid or doesn’t get rid of enough, leading to a buildup. Though many people have high uric acid levels, not all of them will get gout. Gout is more common in men and usually starts in middle age. Women generally don’t get gout until after menopause, which is why they tend to develop it later than men. Occasionally, younger people may also get gout, and when they do, it can be more severe.

It isn’t a fun thing to deal with and can severely impact everyday life and mobility when there is a flare-up. So, let’s look into treatments for people with gout as well as ways to keep it well-managed.

Recognizing Common Symptoms of Gout

Gout usually causes pain in the joint it affects. For many people with gout, the first gout attack happens in the big toe, but it can also occur in other joints. These attacks often begin suddenly at night, causing pain severe enough to wake the person up. Along with the pain, the joint can become swollen, red, and warm.

Gout attacks can be set off by specific foods, alcohol, some medications, physical injury, or certain illnesses. These attacks usually recede within one or two weeks, and most of the time, there are no symptoms between episodes. Some people with gout might experience frequent attacks, while others might not have another one for years. However, if gout is not treated over time, the attacks might occur more often and last longer.

If gout is not treated for a long time, hard lumps (tophi) can develop under the skin due to the buildup of monosodium uric acid crystals. These lumps can appear around joints and other organs. At first, tophi are not painful, but as time passes, they may start causing pain and inflammation and can lead to damage in bones and soft tissues, resulting in misshapen joints.

The Stages of Gout

Gout is a condition that progresses through several stages. It starts with asymptomatic hyperuricemia, where there are high levels of uric acid in the blood for a long time, sometimes forming crystals in the joints, but without any symptoms. Then come acute gout flares, which are sudden attacks of severe pain and swelling in the joints. Between these attacks is the interval stage, where there are no symptoms. 

In the late stage, called tophaceous gout, crystals accumulate in the skin or other parts of the body, which can lead to permanent joint damage and affect organs like the kidneys. Fortunately, the proper treatment can prevent tophi from developing.

Medications Commonly Prescribed for People with Gout

Gout treatment usually focuses on relieving pain and inflammation during an attack and reducing uric acid levels in the blood to prevent future issues. For quick pain relief during a gout attack, an over-the-counter NSAID like ibuprofen can be used because it helps reduce joint pain and inflammation. Taking NSAIDs within the first 24 hours of a flare-up can lessen the duration of the attack. 

To treat people with gout, a doctor might prescribe medications that are specific for this condition. To relieve gout pain and inflammation, they may recommend Colcrys, which reduces inflammation, or Indocid, a more potent NSAID pain reliever. Steroids are another option to fight inflammation. To prevent gout attacks and related health issues, doctors might prescribe medications like Zyloprim or Uloric, both of which lower uric acid production.

Gout creams and gels can also be used as a treatment option for people with gout. These topical products, including Voltaren, help reduce swelling, stiffness, pain, and inflammation in the joints. By applying them directly to the skin, they can offer relief from the discomfort associated with gout.

Are there alternative treatments for gout?

Several foods and supplements may be able to help manage gout. These include cherries or bromelain. Cherries contain antioxidants called anthocyanins, which may help reduce uric acid levels and combat gout. Bromelain, a group of enzymes found in pineapples, has been shown to help reduce gout and arthritis pain and inflammation. The most benefits come from concentrated forms like juice, extracts, and supplements. Always consult with a doctor before adding any supplements to a gout treatment plan.

Lifestyle Changes to Manage Gout

Uric acid levels can be lowered by following a low-purine diet. This diet can help stop new crystals from forming, which can decrease gout attacks. A low-purine diet focuses on eating foods and drinks that have fewer purines. Purines are natural chemicals in some foods and drinks, and when the body breaks them down, it produces uric acid. Reducing the intake of high-purine foods can help lower uric acid levels. This diet also suggests including specific foods that might help decrease uric acid in the body.

Drinks and sweets with a lot of sugar, especially those containing high fructose corn syrup, can trigger gout because fructose turns into uric acid. Alcohol can also be a problem as it stops the kidneys from getting rid of uric acid, causing it to build up in the body. Eating organ meats like liver, tripe, sweetbreads, brains, and kidneys can contribute to gout as well. 

Game meats, such as goose, veal, and venison, were once linked to gout in the Middle Ages and may still be problematic. Some kinds of seafood can also trigger gout. Red meats like beef, lamb, pork, and bacon, as well as turkey, are high in purines, which are known to cause gout. Gravy, meat sauces, yeast, and yeast extracts are also on the naughty list.

What are the best foods to eat when you have gout?

Many healthcare providers choose to emphasize overall dietary guidelines for people with gout instead of specific foods. They recommend focusing on balanced eating habits that include a variety of nutrients for better health. Mixing up protein sources can be a good starting point. While some meats and seafood have more uric acid, eating a variety of proteins and cutting down on the worst ones can help. 

Fruits and vegetables are also great to include. Most are low in purines, and even those that are higher don’t seem to worsen gout symptoms. Plus, they offer many health benefits. Grains like rice, pasta, and cereals are gout-friendly, but it’s best to avoid oats. Watch out for packaged foods with added high fructose corn syrup, and try to choose whole grains about half the time to help manage blood sugar. Staying hydrated is crucial because dehydration can quickly lead to a gout attack. Drinking plenty of fluids reduces uric acid levels, lowering the risk of painful crystal formations.

Exercise and Weight Management: Key Strategies

Dealing with gout can be challenging, but adding regular low to moderate exercise to the daily routine might help. Physical activity can assist in controlling weight, which is important for people with gout, and it can also help reduce uric acid levels.

For people with gout, it may be best to stick with low-impact exercises. These types of activities are gentler on joints but still provide a good workout. Some examples are swimming or cycling, as they are both easy on the knees and offer excellent cardiovascular benefits.

Walking may also help manage gout because it can improve blood flow and reduce swelling in sore joints.

Exercise is important, but don’t overdo it since pushing too hard can lead to flare-ups. Pay attention to the body; if there is increased pain and inflammation, or discomfort while exercising, ease up or stop.

While gout can cause significant discomfort and disrupt daily activities, understanding its causes and treatment options can help manage the condition and reduce painful flare-ups. By staying informed and proactive, people living with gout can lead a more comfortable and active life.

Are eggs bad for gout?

Someone with gout can include eggs in their diet. Eggs have low purine levels, making them less likely to increase uric acid in the blood.

Are bananas bad for people with gout?

Bananas have low purine levels and contain vitamin C, which might make them a good choice for a gout-friendly diet. They also offer vitamins, antioxidants, potassium, and fiber.

What to drink for gout?

It’s recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of nonalcoholic beverages daily, with plain water being the best choice. If someone is experiencing a flare, they should increase their intake to 16 glasses a day. This helps the body flush out uric acid.

How to cure gout permanently?

Gout cannot be cured, but fewer attacks can happen if a person works with a doctor to find treatments that help manage symptoms and reduce uric acid levels.

Does fasting increase uric acid in people with gout?

When fasting, the body uses different energy stores, such as stored proteins, amino acids, and fats. This process creates uric acid as a waste product. Studies have shown that fasting can raise uric acid levels.

What color is urine with high uric acid?

An increase of uric acid in the urine may be an indicator of gout. Uric acid levels can be tested with a urine sample. Uric acid crystals may cause reddish-orange colored urine, but even if urine has high uric acid, in some cases, there may be no color changes.