What are the most effective treatments for gout. How can you prevent gout attacks. What lifestyle changes can help manage gout symptoms. What foods should you avoid if you have gout. How does hydration affect gout flare-ups. What medications are used to treat chronic gout. When should you seek medical attention for gout symptoms.

Understanding Gout: Causes and Symptoms

Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when there’s an excess buildup of uric acid in the blood, leading to the formation of crystals in the joints. These crystals cause intense pain, swelling, and inflammation, often in the big toe, but can affect other joints as well.

Contrary to popular belief, gout isn’t just a disease of the wealthy or elderly. It affects approximately 4% of Americans, making it the most prevalent form of inflammatory arthritis. The condition can be triggered by various factors, including genetics, diet, and lifestyle choices.

What causes gout?

Gout is primarily caused by hyperuricemia, a condition where there’s too much uric acid in the blood. This can happen when:

• The body produces too much uric acid
• The kidneys can’t efficiently remove uric acid from the blood
• A person consumes foods high in purines, which break down into uric acid

While diet plays a role, it’s important to note that anyone can develop gout, even those following a seemingly healthy diet. Genetic predisposition and certain medical conditions can increase the risk of gout.

Immediate Relief: Managing Acute Gout Attacks

Gout attacks can be excruciatingly painful, often making it difficult to perform daily activities. The good news is that there are several strategies to manage acute flare-ups and find relief quickly.

Over-the-counter pain relievers

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often the first line of defense against gout pain. These include:

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• Naproxen (Aleve)

These medications can help reduce both pain and inflammation. However, it’s crucial to note that relief may not be immediate and can take up to 24 hours to fully kick in.

Topical treatments

Applying topical treatments containing ingredients like capsaicin or menthol can provide localized relief. Products such as Aspercreme or Icy Hot can help soothe the affected area and reduce discomfort.

Ice therapy

Applying ice to the inflamed joint is a simple yet effective way to reduce swelling and numb the pain. Ice therapy can be particularly helpful during the early stages of a gout attack.

Hydration

While not an immediate solution, staying well-hydrated is crucial in managing gout. Adequate water intake can help flush out uric acid crystals from the system. Some studies suggest that proper hydration in the 24 hours preceding a gout attack may help reduce its severity.

Prescription Treatments for Severe Gout Pain

When over-the-counter remedies and home treatments aren’t sufficient to manage gout pain, prescription medications may be necessary. These can provide more potent relief for severe gout attacks.

Anti-inflammatory medications

Prescription-strength anti-inflammatory drugs can offer more robust pain relief. Common options include:

• Indomethacin
• Colchicine

These medications are specifically designed to target the inflammation associated with gout, providing faster and more effective relief than over-the-counter options.

Corticosteroids

In some cases, a short course of corticosteroids like prednisone or methylprednisolone may be prescribed. While long-term use of these medications can lead to side effects, short-term use is generally considered safe and can be highly effective in managing severe gout attacks.

It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any prescription treatment for gout. They can assess your individual situation and recommend the most appropriate course of action.

Long-Term Management: Treating Chronic Gout

For individuals with chronic gout, managing acute attacks is only part of the solution. Long-term treatment strategies are essential to prevent future flare-ups and reduce the risk of complications.

Uric acid-lowering medications

Several medications can help lower uric acid levels in the blood, reducing the risk of crystal formation and gout attacks. These include:

• Allopurinol (Aloprim, Zyloprim, Lopurin): Reduces uric acid production
• Febuxostat (Uloric): Also reduces uric acid production
• Probenecid (Probalan): Helps the body eliminate uric acid through urine
• Pegloticase (Krystexxa): A potent intravenous medication used when other treatments are ineffective

It’s important to note that these medications are typically started after a gout attack has subsided, as they can sometimes trigger flare-ups when first initiated.

Dietary modifications

While diet alone may not be the sole cause of gout, certain dietary changes can help manage the condition:

• Limit high-purine foods: These include organ meats, some seafood, and certain vegetables
• Reduce alcohol intake: Especially beer and spirits
• Avoid sugary beverages: High-fructose corn syrup can increase uric acid levels
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help flush out uric acid

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products can help manage gout symptoms and improve overall health.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Gout Attacks

In addition to medication and dietary changes, several lifestyle modifications can help reduce the frequency and severity of gout attacks.

Weight management

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial in managing gout. Excess weight can increase uric acid production and make it harder for the kidneys to eliminate it. Gradual, sustainable weight loss can significantly improve gout symptoms and reduce the risk of attacks.

Regular exercise

Engaging in regular physical activity can help manage weight, improve joint health, and reduce the risk of gout attacks. Low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, or walking are excellent options for those with gout.

Stress management

Stress can trigger gout attacks in some individuals. Implementing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can be beneficial in managing gout and improving overall well-being.

Avoiding triggers

Identifying and avoiding personal triggers can help prevent gout attacks. Common triggers include:

• Certain foods and beverages
• Dehydration
• Rapid weight loss or gain
• Injury or trauma to joints

Keeping a journal to track potential triggers can help individuals better manage their condition and prevent future flare-ups.

The Role of Hydration in Gout Management

Proper hydration plays a crucial role in managing gout and preventing attacks. Adequate fluid intake, particularly water, can help in several ways:

Uric acid excretion

Drinking plenty of water helps the kidneys flush out excess uric acid from the body. This can reduce the risk of crystal formation and subsequent gout attacks.

Joint lubrication

Staying well-hydrated helps maintain proper joint lubrication, which can reduce friction and inflammation in affected joints.

Overall health

Proper hydration supports overall health, including kidney function, which is essential for managing uric acid levels in the body.

While the exact amount of water needed varies from person to person, aiming for at least 8 glasses (64 ounces) of water per day is a good starting point. Individuals with gout may benefit from drinking even more, especially during warm weather or when engaging in physical activity.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Gout

While many gout attacks can be managed at home, there are situations where medical attention is necessary. It’s important to recognize these signs to ensure proper treatment and prevent complications.

Severe pain

If gout pain is severe, sudden, or worsening despite home remedies, it’s time to consult a healthcare provider. They can prescribe stronger medications or adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Prolonged symptoms

Most gout attacks resolve within a few days to a week. If symptoms persist beyond this time frame, medical evaluation is warranted to rule out other conditions or complications.

Frequent attacks

If you’re experiencing frequent gout attacks (more than once or twice a year), it’s essential to consult with a doctor. This may indicate the need for long-term management strategies or adjustments to your current treatment plan.

New or unusual symptoms

If you develop new or unusual symptoms alongside your gout attack, such as fever, chills, or joint deformity, seek medical attention promptly. These could indicate an infection or other serious condition requiring immediate treatment.

Remember, while gout can be painful and disruptive, it is a manageable condition with the right treatment approach. By combining immediate relief strategies, long-term management techniques, and lifestyle modifications, individuals with gout can significantly reduce their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Always work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and circumstances.

What is the Fastest Way to Get Rid of Gout?

Gout is a painful type of arthritis that feels similar to the pain experienced with rheumatoid arthritis, as both diseases cause inflammation in the joints. 

Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood.

When the body cannot get rid of the excess uric acid, that buildup ends up accumulating as crystals in a joint, such as the big toe.

This creates swelling, redness, warmth, and severe joint pain in the affected area.

This condition has historically been seen as a disease that only affects old, wealthy men.

But in fact, gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis.

About 4% of Americans—more than 8 million people—suffer from gout.

Since gout can be caused by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, anyone can get gout—even if they eat what would typically be deemed a healthy diet. 

Attacks and flare-ups of the condition can be painful.

While there is no cure for gout, there are things you can do to get relief from the pain and inflammation.

In this article, I’ll talk about ways to get fast relief from a gout attack, treatment options for these flare-ups, and warning signs that an attack may be coming.

I’ll also tell you when it’s best to talk to your doctor or another healthcare provider about gout symptoms.

How to Get Fast Relief From Gout Attacks

Gout pain can be debilitating, and can prevent you from performing routine activities—even walking or standing can hurt.

That’s because many attacks start at the base of the big toe.

Pain and inflammation in this region can make walking or standing for long periods of time excruciating. 

There are a few home remedies that may provide quick relief for a gout flare-up.

But if your pain is severe, sudden, or worsening, contact a healthcare professional before attempting any remedies at home.

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Over-the-counter pain relievers

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) can help relieve gout pain and swelling.

It may take some time for the relief to kick in—anywhere up to 24 hours. 

Topical rubs containing capsaicin or other soothing ingredients (like aspercreme, Icy Hot, etc.) can help with both pain and inflammation when applied on the swollen areas.

Apply ice to the affected joints

One of the easiest natural ways to reduce inflammation in a gout attack is by applying ice to the affected area.

Ice may also help numb the pain in the affected area.

Drink plenty of water

This won’t likely provide immediate relief, but inadequate hydration is known to contribute towards the creation of urate crystals.

Drinking water may flush uric acid crystals out of your system.

Preliminary research suggests that adequate water consumption during the 24-hour period before a gout flare can decrease recurrent gout attacks. 

Prescription Treatments

If your gout pain is unbearable even with the recommended over-the-counter treatments, prescription anti-inflammatories like Indomethacin and Colchicine may be needed.  

A short course of a corticosteroid like prednisone or methylprednisolone can also be helpful. 

While long-term use of corticosteroids can cause some problematic side effects and health issues, short-term use is generally considered safe. 

If your gout symptoms are severe and not improving with over-the-counter and home remedies, speak with a doctor or healthcare provider to see if a prescription treatment may be helpful.

Treatment for Chronic Gout

If you have chronic gout, you may need more than quick relief.

You’ll also likely need a long-term treatment plan to prevent future attacks.

Below are a few treatment options that your doctor may recommend.

Medications for gout

Usually, doctors will wait until a gout attack subsides before starting prescription medications.

This is because these drugs are designed to lower uric acid levels.

Sometimes that can cause existing crystals surrounding the joints to shift, exacerbating the flare-up.  

Once a flare-up has ended, your prescribed medication treatment plan can prevent future gout attacks.

Below are a few common medications for gout:

Diet changes

Before modern medicine, doctors assumed dietary choices were to blame for gout attacks.

They weren’t wrong: A diet that’s high in purines—chemicals that are metabolized into uric acid—can cause gout flares.

Historically, gout was referred to as “the disease of kings”  because a heavy purine diet一alcohol, organ meats, sugar一could only be afforded by the wealthy.

Common high-purine foods you may want to avoid if you have gout include:

• High fructose corn syrup: This includes snacks and sugary drinks like soft drinks.
• Alcoholic beverages: Consuming too much alcohol is dehydrating for the body and can increase uric acid levels in the body.
• Organ meats: Meats like liver and kidney are purine-rich foods that should be avoided.
• Red meat: Serving sizes of red meat should be limited. 

Following a diet low in purines can help prevent gout flares.

If you’re unsure of what you should and shouldn’t eat, discuss meal plan options with your doctor or a dietitian.

Lifestyle changes

Experts recommend that adults engage in 150 minutes of exercise per week.

This can include low-impact activities that are easy on the joints, like walking, swimming, or biking.

Engaging in regular physical activity, along with eating a healthy diet, can help you lose weight.

Since obesity is a risk factor for gout, this could also reduce your risk of flare-ups.

Gout flare-ups tend to come on suddenly.

A flare-up will usually occur in one localized area—usually the big toe, but it can also affect other joints like the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, or fingers.

Some symptoms you may experience include:

• Joint pain
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Swelling
• Loss of mobility

When it comes to gout prevention, get to know your family’s general medical history.

Genetics plays a big role in your chances of developing gout, so it’s a good idea to get familiar with your family history of gout.  

Other risk factors include:

• Sex: Men are three times more likely than women to develop gout.

• Age: Men over 40 and post-menopausal women are more likely to develop gout.

• Weight: People who are obese are at a greater risk of developing gout.

• Medical conditions: People with high blood pressure, diabetes, insulin resistance, or heart and kidney diseases are at a greater risk of developing gout.

• Alcohol consumption: Alcohol is dehydrating. The risk of developing gout increases as alcohol consumption goes up.

If you have a family history of gout or fall into multiple risk factor groups, discuss prevention with your doctor.

A low-purine diet is typically recommended to help keep uric acid levels in your body low.

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When to See a Doctor

If you are experiencing severe gout symptoms, seek care immediately.

Gout triggers and gout attacks are different for everyone, so a physician will be able to tailor a plan of treatment and prevention that works best for you. 

How K Health Can Help

Did you know you can access online urgent care with K Health?

Check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed, text with a healthcare provider in minutes. 

K Health’s AI-powered app is based on 20 years of clinical data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best thing to drink if you have gout?

Water. Drinking plenty of water is best if you have gout. Other beverages recommended for gout patients include milk, tart cherry juice, and coffee—all in moderation.

Does walking on gout foot make it worse?

If you have a current flare-up, it is best to stay off the affected foot to avoid further trauma to the joints. However, once a flare-up subsidies, you should still be able to participate in low-impact activities like walking or swimming. Regular physical activity is encouraged for your health and gout prevention.

What is the best thing for gout in the big toe?

If you have a gout flare-up on the big toe, rest and elevate your foot. You can try home remedies such as applying ice, taking over-the-counter pain medications, and drinking lots of water to help provide relief. If the pain is severe or worsening, contact your doctor.

K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions,
and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

• Treatment Options for Gout. (2017).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5624445/

• Gout. (n.d.).
  https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/gout

• Gout. Epidemiology of gout. (2010).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3046529/

• Gout and hyperuricaemia in the USA: prevalence and trends. (2019).
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31168609/

• Gout. (2010).
  https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/gout.html

• Alcohol quantity and type on risk of recurrent gout attacks: An internet-based case-crossover study. (2014).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3991555/

• Nonpharmacological Management of Gout and Hyperuricemia: Hints for Better Lifestyle. (2015).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6125106/

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How to cure gout on the legs [effective SWT method]

Gout is the deposition of uric acid salts in various tissues of the body, most often in the joints and cartilage. With gout of the legs, physiotherapy, especially the SWT method, significantly improves well-being.

“Gout <…> gave birth to hell itself,” wrote I.A. Krylov. Of course, the nature of the occurrence of this disease is different, but nevertheless it delivers a lot of “hellish” troubles to its carriers.

The disease is especially common among Caucasians and occurs in 50 men and 10 women out of a thousand. In order for gout not to lead to serious complications, it needs to be diagnosed and treated in time.

1. Causes and symptoms of gout

2.
How to treat gout in the legs

2.1. Prevention of gout on the legs

Causes and symptoms of gout

Gout belongs to the group of arthritis. Arthritis refers to any disease of the joints. The term “gout” is used when talking about the deposition of uric acid salts in various tissues of the body, most often in the joints and cartilage. What is causing this process?

Uric acid is a product of the breakdown of purines, special substances that are produced in our body, and also get to us with food. We get a large amount of purines when we eat fatty meat and fish (herring, sardine, cod), organ meats (sausages, sausages), fast food. And also when we drink alcohol (especially beer and grape wine), unnatural juices, sweet carbonated drinks, coffee. In this case, a huge amount of uric acid is synthesized in the body, and the kidneys cannot cope with its excretion. Another cause of gout is when the body produces a normal amount of this acid, but the kidneys are unable to remove it due to any pathologies.

Salts of uric acid (urates) are deposited in joints, especially small ones, gradually destroying them. Salt deposition is most susceptible to injured joints. The joint of the big toe (popularly called the “big bone on the leg”) becomes the object of the lesion due to the fact that we wear uncomfortable, narrow shoes. Gout can also lead to the formation of kidney stones, which in turn can lead to kidney failure, which in some cases can be fatal.

Symptoms of gout may include:

• acute joint pain (especially after heavy meals or large amounts of alcohol). Sometimes the sensations are so unbearable that it hurts even from the fact that a sheet lies on the arm or leg. The pain begins to torment at night, passes during the day, and then returns again. This may take several days or even months;
• redness and swelling of the joint;
• increased temperature in the joint area up to 39–40°C;
• fever;
• general weakness.

If the attacks are repeated again and again, then, for example, gout of the toe can go to other joints, making them painful and inactive.

Gout is considered a disease of the elderly, but due to the fact that a modern person consumes a lot of fats and alcohol, in particular beer, this leads to a “rejuvenation” of the pathology. The disease is chronic, that is, it cannot be completely cured. But in order to avoid serious consequences, one should resort to therapy that will stop or slow down the process of destruction of the joints.

How to treat gout in the legs

Since the Middle Ages, gout has been called the “disease of kings”, since it was the holiest persons who had the opportunity to indulge themselves in plentiful meals and were prone to gluttony. Therefore, first of all, to control gout, you need to reconsider the diet. You should reduce the consumption of meat and meat offal, refuse fatty foods, beans and fish caviar, beer, wine and, if possible, other alcoholic beverages. Patients with gout are usually prescribed dietary table number 6. It is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of fluid per day. Mineral waters such as Borjomi, Narzan, Essentuki will be useful.

In acute attacks of gout, it is recommended to apply ice to the inflamed area, make compresses with dimexide. The use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs that do not contain steroids is shown.

Please note!

American scientists have established the relationship between calcium and ascorbic acid deficiency in the body and the development of gout. Therefore, as a treatment and prevention of the disease, it is necessary, in agreement with the doctor, to take these substances.

Physiotherapy significantly improves the well-being of the leg with gout. One of the most advanced and high-tech treatments for gout is shock wave therapy. When the affected tissues are exposed to a shock wave of a certain frequency, the following occurs: microcrystals of salts and connective tissue seals are loosened, blood flow increases tenfold, which in turn leads to the absorption of salts and tissue restoration.

In particularly severe cases, surgical methods are used to remove deposits of uric acid in the joints. But, in order to avoid this, it is necessary to carry out the prevention of arthritic diseases, such as gout of the foot.

Prevention of gout on the legs

In order for the joints of your legs to retain mobility and performance until old age, you should pay attention to the following preventive measures:

• lead an active lifestyle, walk more, do exercises in the morning;
• give up bad habits;
• eat more grains, vegetables, fruits, boiled or steamed meats and fish;
• drink more plain water;
• for preventive purposes, take a blood test to determine the content of the most important vitamins and minerals. If necessary, supplement the diet with a mineral-vitamin complex.

If you still experience gout, do not rush to despair. The main thing – do not postpone the solution of the problem “for later”, contact the specialists. A reliable assistant in the fight against the disease will be the method of shock wave therapy (SWT) we have already noted. You will find some of the most affordable prices for procedures at the Health Plus Medical Center. Even the elderly can receive effective and affordable treatment here. Procedures at the Health Plus Medical Center are performed without anesthesia in a course of several sessions of 10-15 minutes each, the number of which depends on the severity and duration of the disease. Qualified specialists will help you maintain a healthy state of the body.

Effective treatment of gout

Higher medical education. She graduated from the First Medical University named after academician I.P. Pavlov in 2015, in 2016 she completed her internship in the specialty “neurolology”. The internship, as well as the next 2.5 years of work, took place in the city hospital #26 at the department of general neurology. In clinical practice, patients with pain syndromes were extremely common. Based on the experience of senior colleagues, supported by settled, and in some way promoted by authoritative experts, ideas about the causes of pain, I built the treatment on a standardized scheme: painkillers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), vitamins, sometimes I had to resort to more potent drugs ( antidepressants, anticonvulsants). Exercise therapy was also prescribed, but within the framework of the hospital and with a short hospital stay, many patients did not even have time to reach the exercise therapy room, and therefore the visit to physiotherapy exercises was postponed to the outpatient stage (patients arrived or not, I can’t say). Over time, patients returned again, but subsequent exacerbations were worse, poorly responded to drug treatment. In the routine of work, I didn’t really ask myself the question “why?”, There are standards, there are well-established treatment regimens, there are MRI reports and hernias, which were transferred to the hands of neurosurgeons if our “treatment” no longer helped. One day, a patient was admitted to the department with severe pain, in a forced position. For 4 days the drugs did not relieve the pain, he slept kneeling on the floor with his head on the bed. We couldn’t send him for an MRI as he couldn’t lie flat because of the pain. On the 4th day it became easier, the patient went to the study. I expected to see at least a large hernia there, or an inflammatory lesion of the vertebrae, but … there were not even protrusions on the MRI !!!
The patient was discharged citing muscle spasm. And I have some questions.
During my maternity leave, I became interested in the causes of back pain. Gradually, moving from the repetition of anatomy and physiology to the clinical manifestations of diseases, I moved on to methods of treatment. And it turned out that drugs are not the first line of treatment. I reached the methods of physical rehabilitation, to kinesitherapy. When the time came to return to work, I began to understand that in the previous conditions I would not be able to fully help patients suffering from pain.