Gout Treatment | Arthritis Society Canada

Why is treatment for gout so important?

Gout attacks tend to increase in length and frequency without treatment and can even become chronic. The ongoing presence of uric acid crystals in and around the joint can lead to destruction of the joint and the soft tissues around it.

Fortunately, with proper medical attention and treatment, few patients progress to this advanced stage. Most people living with chronic gout can control the condition with medication. Lifestyle changes are an important part of treatment and can help prevent and manage flares. Early identification and treatment can reduce the chance of permanent joint damage and the number and severity of attacks.

How is gout treated?

Treatment for gout consists of three main steps:

Step 1: Treat active gout attack.
Step 2: Lower uric acid levels in the bloodstream (if indicated).
Step 3: Add a prophylactic treatment if a medication is given to lower the uric acid in the bloodstream. 

When having an attack

When having a gout attack, take these steps to bring pain and swelling under control:

• Ice, elevate and rest the joint.

• Take colchicine, anti-inflammatory medication, or prednisone as soon as possible, as advised by your doctor.

• Drink plenty of water and fluids. Remember alcohol, pop, or sugary drinks can trigger gout attacks, so avoid those.

• Keep track of which joints are involved, the intensity and any changes in pain, and the length of the attack.

• Call your doctor to make an appointment to be assessed.

• Avoid stress as much as possible. Added stress can make a gout attack feel more intense. Consider using relaxation techniques such as mindfulness meditation to relax your body’s response to pain.

Heat and cold

Cold

During a gout attack, using cold can help reduce pain. Cold reduces blood flow to the injury, which helps reduce swelling and inflammation. Cold should not be applied for longer than 20 minutes at a time. As a general rule, 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, works well. Always use a protective barrier, such as a towel, between any cold pack and the skin.

Using a commercial cold pack or a homemade one (from crushed ice, ice cubes or a bag of frozen vegetables) can be helpful.

Cold is ideal for:

Heat

Heat should not be used during a gout attack since applying heat can make symptoms worse. However, between attacks, taking a warm shower and using warm packs (such as hot water bottles or microwavable heating pads) are great ways to help reduce general pain and stiffness.

Heat is ideal for:

• relieving pain and stiffness

• relieving muscle spasms and tightness

• enhancing range of motion

IMPORTANT: Do not use heat on an already inflamed joint, as it can make symptoms worse.

Relaxation techniques and skills

Developing good relaxation skills can help you maintain balance in your life, giving you a greater feeling of control over your gout and a more positive outlook. Relaxing the muscles around a sore joint can help to reduce pain, though it is not always easy to relax when feeling pain. Gout attacks tend to be very painful, but there are techniques you can learn to help you refocus your mind, and help relax your muscles during a painful attack.

Visualization techniques, such as imagining burning sensations being put out by cold water, or concentrating on imagining what your pain might look like can also help to draw focus away from the pain itself, and help you reframe your experiences of pain or discomfort.

Other techniques to consider include mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, listening to a podcast or audio book, narrated relaxation exercises, or soothing music.

A key to developing relaxation skills is to also practice the techniques that feel most comfortable for you even when you are not experiencing pain. This can be especially helpful for forms of meditation and visualization.

Medications to treat an acute gout attack

A number of medications do a good job of preventing pain and swelling in the short-term. Depending on the severity of the gout attack, medications can be given individually, or in combination.

• Non-steroidal anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

  Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to treat pain and inflammation. The term “non-steroidal” means that they do not contain steroids. NSAIDs are commonly used drugs, and there are many different types and brands. Many can be obtained without a prescription. These medications control the symptoms of gout, but do not alter the course of the disease. NSAIDs can be taken as needed or taken regularly to control symptoms. While generally well tolerated, NSAIDs may irritate the stomach or cause other side effects. Talk with your doctor to decide if NSAIDs are an appropriate treatment option for you.

• Colchicine

  For those unable to take NSAIDs, colchicine is an option that has been used to treat gout for more than 2,000 years. Originally from a plant extract, colchicine is often used to relieve the pain and swelling of gout attacks. By intervening in this early phase of a gout attack, colchicine can reduce the production of neutrophils that cause pain, inflammation, and swelling. When taken after the first 48 hours of an attack, the neutrophils have often had too much time to enter the affected joint, and colchicine will provide little to no benefit.

  While effective, many people cannot take colchicine due to its side effects; however, you and your doctor can decide if colchicine is right for you.

• Corticosteroids

  For those who cannot take NSAIDs or colchicine, corticosteroids may be a good alternative. These are given either orally or as injections into the affected joints. Injections tend to work quickly – within a few days or even within a few hours for some people. If you would like to explore this option, discuss with your doctor to determine if corticosteroids make sense for your treatment plan.

Lowering uric acid in the bloodstream

After a first gout attack, your doctor will discuss with you whether you may benefit from medications to help lower the level of uric acid in your bloodstream. Your doctor will consider the following indications to help make this decision:

• Two or more gout attacks within the span of 12 months

• A history of kidney stones

• Chronic kidney failure

• Bone erosion on x-ray

• Presence of tophi (uric acid crystals under the skin – pronounced toe-fi)

When working with you to lower your bloodstream uric acid levels, your doctor will want to help you reach the following target uric acid levels in your bloodstream.

• If you have no erosion or tophi present, uric acid levels should be less than 360 µmol/l.

• If there is erosion or tophi present, uric acid levels should be below 300 µmol/l

Medications that reduce uric acid levels

To achieve lower bloodstream levels of uric acid, your doctor may prescribe a medication. Medications that reduce uric acid levels will prevent future gout attacks and keep the condition from becoming chronic.

Taking medications that regulate uric acid levels is often a long-term treatment option since starting and stopping these medications can trigger a gout attack. Your doctor may wait to introduce this type of medication to first determine how frequently you experience gout attacks, and if they can be controlled through other treatment options. If you experience two to three attacks per year, your doctor may wish to explore this medication option with you.

Since starting a medication to lower uric acid levels can also trigger a gout attack, your doctor will likely also prescribe another medication, usually an NSAID or colchicine, to take daily for the first few months to help prevent further gout attacks while your body adjusts to taking a uric acid lowering medication.

Once you start a medication to lower uric acid levels, you may not notice any benefit right away. In some cases it could take years to achieve target uric acid levels, and for the uric acid crystals in joints and soft tissues to disappear.

The following medications are commonly used to help lower uric acid levels in the bloodstream:

• Allopurinol

  Allopurinol is a medication used to lower uric acid levels. It can take several weeks for the effects to become noticeable. It is common for a gout attack to happen in the first few months after starting allopurinol. Continue to keep your doctor informed of any new symptoms you may experience. If you have concerns about any side effects, or still have gout attacks while taking allopurinol, talk with your doctor about your treatment plan.

  Allopurinol may interact with other medications you are already taking. You and our doctor can decide if taking allopurinol is right for you.

• Febuxostat

  Febuxostat works to reduce the level of uric acid in the body, which can help in the management of gout. Although febuxostat is generally well tolerated, it is always best to have a conversation with your doctor to decide if febuxostat is right for you and your treatment plan.

• Pegloticase

  If other medications are not effective at lowering uric acid levels, pegloticase may be used as an alternate option. Pegloticase may only be used if no other treatment options have been found effective. Many people experience side effects that make them unable to tolerate this medication. Talk with your doctor to determine if pegloticase is right for you. This medication should not be used in people with a history of kidney stones.

For more information about medications, consult our Medication Reference Guide.

Surgery

Surgery is rarely required for gout. Occasionally, surgery is considered for people who have suffered from gout over a long period of time to remove problematic tophi or to repair badly damaged joints. However, with proper medication and treatment, these situations are generally avoided.

❮ Gout Symptoms and Diagnosis Gout Self-Management ❯

Discover More

Risk Factors and Gout Attacks

Learn about who gets gout and what happens during a gout attack.

Learn about who gets gout and what happens during a gout attack.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Recognize the signs and symptoms of gout, as well as how gout is diagnosed.

Recognize the signs and symptoms of gout, as well as how gout is diagnosed.

Treatment

Catching an attack early is an important step in managing gout. Treatment options for gout include medication, diet, and pain management.

Catching an attack early is an important step in managing gout. Treatment options for gout include medication, diet, and pain management.

Self-Management

Making dietary changes, staying active, monitoring weight, and avoiding triggers can help in the self-management of gout.

Making dietary changes, staying active, monitoring weight, and avoiding triggers can help in the self-management of gout.

This gout resource was reviewed in October 2022 with expert advice from:

Dr. Jean-Philip Deslauriers

Clinical Professor at the University of Sherbrooke

Rheumatologist

Bathurst, New Brunswick

Gout | Arthritis | CDC

• What is gout?
• What are the signs and symptoms?
• What causes gout?
• What are the risk factors?
• How is gout diagnosed?
• Who should diagnose and treat gout?
• How is gout treated?
• How can I improve my quality of life?

What is gout?

Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis that is very painful. It usually affects one joint at a time (often the big toe joint). There are times when symptoms get worse, known as flares, and times when there are no symptoms, known as remission. Repeated bouts of gout can lead to gouty arthritis, a worsening form of arthritis.

There is no cure for gout, but you can effectively treat and manage the condition with medication and self-management strategies.

What are the signs and symptoms of gout?

Gout flares start suddenly and can last days or weeks. These flares are followed by long periods of remission—weeks, months, or years—without symptoms before another flare begins. Gout usually occurs in only one joint at a time. It is often found in the big toe. Along with the big toe, joints that are commonly affected are the lesser toe joints, the ankle, and the knee.

Symptoms in the affected joint(s) may include:

• Pain, usually intense
• Swelling
• Redness
• Heat

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What causes gout?

Gout is caused by a condition known as hyperuricemia, where there is too much uric acid in the body. The body makes uric acid when it breaks down purines, which are found in your body and the foods you eat. When there is too much uric acid in the body, uric acid crystals (monosodium urate) can build up in joints, fluids, and tissues within the body. Hyperuricemia does not always cause gout, and hyperuricemia without gout symptoms does not need to be treated.

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What increases your chances for gout?

The following make it more likely that you will develop hyperuricemia, which causes gout:

• Being male
• Being obese
• Having certain health conditions, including:
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Insulin resistance
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Diabetes
  • Poor kidney function
• Using certain medications, such as diuretics (water pills).
• Drinking alcohol. The risk of gout is greater as alcohol intake goes up.
• Eating or drinking food and drinks high in fructose (a type of sugar).
• Having a diet high in purines, which the body breaks down into uric acid. Purine-rich foods include red meat, organ meat, and some kinds of seafood, such as anchovies, sardines, mussels, scallops, trout, and tuna.

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How is gout diagnosed?

A medical doctor diagnoses gout by assessing your symptoms and the results of your physical examination, X-rays, and lab tests. Gout can only be diagnosed during a flare when a joint is hot, swollen, and painful and when a lab test finds uric acid crystals in the affected joint.

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Who should diagnose and treat gout?

The disease should be diagnosed and treated by a doctor or a team of doctors who specialize in care of gout patients. This is important because the signs and symptoms of gout are not specific and can look like signs and symptoms of other inflammatory diseases. Doctors who specialize in gout and other forms of arthritis are called rheumatologists. To find a provider near you, visit the database of rheumatologistsexternal icon on the American College of Rheumatology website. Once a rheumatologist has diagnosed and effectively treated your gout, a primary care provider can usually track your condition and help you manage your gout.

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How is gout treated?

Gout can be effectively treated and managed with medical treatment and self-management strategies. Your health care provider may recommend a medical treatment plan to

• Manage the pain of a flare. Treatment for flares consists of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, steroids, and the anti-inflammatory drug colchicine.
• Prevent future flares. Making changes to your diet and lifestyle, such as losing weight, limiting alcohol, eating less purine-rich food (like red meat or organ meat), may help prevent future attacks. Changing or stopping medications associated with hyperuricemia (like diuretics) may also help.
• Prevent tophi and kidney stones from forming as a result of chronic high levels of uric acid. Tophi are hard, uric acid deposits under the skin. For people with frequent acute flares or chronic gout, doctors may recommend preventive therapy to lower uric acid levels in the blood using drugs like allopurinol, febuxostat, and pegloticase.

In addition to medical treatment, you can manage your gout with self-management strategies. Self-management is what you do day to day to manage your condition and stay healthy, like making healthy lifestyle choices. The self-management strategies described below are proven to reduce pain and disability, so you can pursue the activities important to you.

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How can I manage my gout and improve my quality of life?

Gout affects many aspects of daily living, including work and leisure activities.  Fortunately, there are many low-cost self-management strategies that are proven to improve the quality of life of people with gout.

For gout in particular:

• Eat a healthy diet. Avoid foods that may trigger a gout flare, including foods high in purines (like a diet rich in red meat, organ meat, and seafood), and limit alcohol intake (particularly beer and hard liquor).

CDC’s Arthritis Program recommends five self-management strategies for managing arthritis and its symptoms. These can help with gout as well.

• Learn self-management skills. Join a self-management education class, which helps people with arthritis and other chronic conditions—including gout—understand how arthritis affects their lives and increase their confidence in controlling their symptoms and living well. Learn more about the CDC-recommended self-management education programs.
• Get physically active. Experts recommend that adults engage in 150 minutes per week of at least moderate physical activity. Every minute of activity counts, and any activity is better than none. Moderate, low impact activities recommended include walking, swimming, or biking. Regular physical activity can also reduce the risk of developing other chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Learn more about physical activity for arthritis.
  • Go to effective physical activity programs. For people who worry that physical activity may make arthritis worse or are unsure how to exercise safely, participation in physical activity programs can help reduce pain and disability related to arthritis and improve mood and the ability to move. Classes take place at local Ys, parks, and community centers. These classes can help people with arthritis feel better. Learn more about CDC-recommended physical activity programs.
• Talk to your doctor. You can play an active role in controlling your arthritis by attending regular appointments with your health care provider and following your recommended treatment plan. This is especially important if you also have other chronic conditions, like diabetes or heart disease.
• Lose weight. For people who are overweight or obese, losing weight reduces pressure on joints, particularly weight bearing joints like the hips and knees. Reaching or maintaining a healthy weight can relieve pain, improve function, and slow the progression of arthritis.
• Protect your joints. Joint injuries can cause or worsen arthritis. Choose activities that are easy on the joints like walking, bicycling, and swimming. These low-impact activities have a low risk of injury and do not twist or put too much stress on the joints. Learn more about how to exercise safely with arthritis.

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Learn more about gout

• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseasesexternal icon [En Español]external icon
• American College of Rheumatologyexternal icon
• National Library of Medicine—MedlinePlus—Acute Goutexternal icon [En Español]external icon
• National Library of Medicine—MedlinePlus—Chronic Goutexternal icon [En Español]external icon

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Learn more about arthritis

• Arthritis Types
• Physical Activity for Arthritis
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Arthritis-Related Statistics

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Gout, gouty arthritis, joint pain, treatment of gout in Kiev

Gout is a metabolic disease in which the level of uric acid in the blood rises, which then precipitates in the joints and tissues, causing an inflammatory reaction.

Normal uric acid levels are up to 6.8 mg/dL.

Causes of gout

• increased consumption of purines (meat products)
• reduced excretion of uric acid from the body
• an increase in the production of urates occurs in diseases accompanied by increased cell decay, enzyme disorders

Gout is also called “royal disease” because in the old days meat products could be consumed mainly by the nobility, so they were more likely to have this disease.

The deposition of crystals of uric acid (sodium monourate) occurs mainly in poorly vascularized areas (tendons, ligaments, walls of synovial bags) or in cold peripheral regions (leg joints, mainly 1st metatarsophalangeal joint, ankle, knee joints) . In a more severe form of gout, uric acid crystals can be deposited in large joints, in the kidneys.

Areas of uric acid crystals can be found under the skin as small hard nodules called tophi.

Exacerbation of gout can be triggered by alcohol intake, dietary disorders (eating meat or acidic foods), trauma, infectious diseases.

Symptoms of gout

Acute gouty arthritis usually begins at night with redness and pain in the area of ​​the affected joint.

Most often, with gout, the first metatarsal-falve joint becomes inflamed, but other joints can also be involved: ankle, knee, wrist, elbow, foot joints.

Pain in the joint quickly increases and becomes unbearable, it is accompanied by hyperemia, swelling, limitation of joint mobility.

In the initial stages of the disease, more often one joint is affected and the attack can last several days. As the disease progresses, the frequency and duration of attacks increases, and more joints are involved.

Tophi are usually found under the skin in the form of white or yellowish nodules. Basically, they appear in the chronic course of gout, a favorite place for their localization are the fingers, feet, the region of the olecranon, and can appear on the auricles. Also, tophi can form in the area of ​​synovial bags of the joints and in the internal organs.

Chronic gout Manifested as chronic gouty arthritis, urolithiasis, nephropathy, cardiovascular disorders.

Chronic arthritis usually affects several joints, which may become inflamed at the same time or alternately.

Gout diagnosis

The following diagnostic criteria apply:
• clinical manifestations of the disease
• blood and urine test for uric acid
• analysis of synovial fluid, if necessary, to differentiate gout from other diseases
• X-ray of the joints helps to identify bone erosions and tophi
• ultrasound of joints and kidneys

Treatment of gout

The following treatments are used :
• diet – foods rich in purines (meat, lard, legumes), as well as foods that can contribute to the development of an attack of gout (alcohol, acidic foods – salads, spinach, pickles) are excluded.
• drug treatment : NSAIDs, colchicine, corticosteroids, drugs that reduce the synthesis of uric acid (allopurinol), increase its excretion by the kidneys – probenecid (not prescribed for urolithiasis, elevated levels of uric acid in the urine).
• physiotherapy treatments aim to reduce inflammation and break down uric acid deposits.

In our center of vertebrology shock wave therapy is used for this purpose. It helps to destroy urate deposits in the tissues, in the area of ​​​​the joints, relieves inflammation, helps restore joint function.

• kinesitherapy – a method of restoring the function and performance of the joints with the help of special exercises. Treatment is carried out under the supervision of a rehabilitation physician on special simulators that unload the joint and at the same time strengthen and restore its mobility.

With timely detection and treatment of gout, good and lasting results can be achieved.

In our center you can consult with a qualified specialist, get the necessary diagnosis and treatment of gout and gouty arthritis.

Gout in men: causes, symptoms and treatment

Contents

• 1 Gout in men: causes, symptoms and treatments
  • 1. 1 Gout in men
    • 1.1.1 What is gout?
    • 1.1.2 Symptoms of gout in men
    • 1.1.3 How to treat gout in men
  • 1.2 What is gout?
  • 1.3 Causes of gout
  • 1.4 Symptoms of gout in men: what you need to know
  • 1.5 Diagnosis of gout
  • 1.6 Treatment of gout
  • 1.7 Folk remedies for gout
    • 1.7.1 Strawberry
    • 1.7.2 Turmeric
    • 1.7.3 Lemon
    • 1.7.4 Chestnut
  • 1.8 Prevention of gout in men
  • 1.9 What else can cause gout in men?
  • 1.10 Complications of gout
    • 1.10.1 Arthritis
    • 1.10.2 Kidney stones
    • 1.10.3 Chronic renal failure
  • 1.11 Living with gout: Tips and tricks
    • 1.11.1 Eat a special diet
    • 1.11.2 Maintain a healthy lifestyle
    • 1.11.3 Take prescribed medications
    • 1.11.4 Seek medical attention if your illness worsens
  • 1.12 Related videos:
  • 1. 13 Q&A:
    • • 1.13.0.1 What is gout?
      • 1.13.0.2 What are the symptoms of gout?
      • 1.13.0.3 What is the diagnosis of suspected gout?
      • 1.13.0.4 What factors can contribute to gout?
      • 1.13.0.5 How to treat gout?
      • 1.13.0.6 Can gout be prevented?

Gout is a form of arthritis that mainly occurs in men and is characterized by severe pain in the joints, especially in the big toe. The article will help you understand what gout is, what causes this disease and how to treat it.

Gout is a chronic disease that affects the joints and causes severe pain. The disease is most common in older men and is one of the most common types of arthritis.

Symptoms of gout include severe joint pain, swelling and redness of the skin around the affected joint. These symptoms can reappear over and over again, resulting in constant discomfort and poor quality of life.

Gout is associated with a disorder in the metabolism of uric acid in the body, which leads to its accumulation in the blood and the formation of crystals, which then settle in the joints and cause inflammation.

Although gout can be dangerous and cause severe pain, there are treatments and prevention methods that can help overcome the disease and reduce its symptoms.

Gout in men

What is gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis that affects the joints and causes unbearable pain. It occurs due to the increased content of uric acid in the blood of the body, which recrystallizes in the joints, causing inflammation. The disease often affects men, especially those who consume a lot of fatty and meaty foods, as well as alcoholic beverages.

Symptoms of gout in men

The main symptoms of gout in men are pain in large joints such as the big toe, ankle, knee, elbow. Patients experience acute attacks of pain during which the joint becomes red, inflamed and swollen. It is also possible the appearance of subcutaneous cones – tophi, caused by excessive accumulation of uric acid.

How to treat gout in men

Treatment of gout in men is aimed at reducing inflammation and pain in the joints. For this, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs are used. It is also necessary to follow a diet that excludes purine-rich meat products and limits alcohol consumption. In some cases, medications that inhibit the formation of uric acid may be needed to prevent crystals from forming in the joints.

• Dieting
• Anti-inflammatory medicines
• Painkillers
• Medicines that prevent the formation of uric acid.

It is important to remember that gout is a serious disease that can lead to complications if not treated on time. Therefore, it is recommended to see a doctor if you notice symptoms of gout.

What is gout?

Gout is a disease associated with metabolic disorders in the body and is a consequence of an increased level of uric acid in the blood. It is manifested by inflammation of the joints, which become red, swollen and painful. Gout can also lead to urinary stones and kidney damage.

Symptoms of gout may include severe joint pain that most often begins at night or in the morning, redness, swelling and heat around the affected joint, and a feeling of numbness or tingling in the area. In some cases, urolithiasis, kidney failure, and other health problems may also appear.

Your doctor will usually order a blood uric acid test, an X-ray or ultrasound of the affected joints, and other tests to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment for gout may include lifestyle changes, diet, medications, and physical therapy. Early contact with a doctor and following the recommendations will help prevent complications and improve the quality of life with this disease.

Causes of gout

Gout is a hereditary disease that is associated with high levels of uric acid in the blood.

1. An unbalanced diet and the consumption of large amounts of fat and protein foods, as well as alcoholic beverages, contribute to the onset of gout.
2. Obesity is also one of the main causes of the disease.
3. The disease may develop in association with other diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
4. Gout often occurs in older men, especially if there is a genetic predisposition.

All these factors lead to a violation of the metabolism of uric acid in the body, which leads to its deposition in the joints and surrounding tissues.

It is important to note that gout does not appear immediately, but develops gradually, so it is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle and diet to prevent its occurrence.

Symptoms of gout in men: what you need to know

Gout is a serious disease that usually affects men over 40 years of age. The disease is characterized by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, the formation of uric acid crystals and their deposition in the joints and other tissues of the body. This leads to inflammation and soreness, especially in the joints of the feet and fingers.

Symptoms of gout in men can manifest themselves in different ways and at different stages of the disease. However, the main signs of gout include:

• Acute joint pain is one of the most common symptoms of gout. It usually starts at night and is accompanied by severe aching pain in the big toe.
• Swelling and redness of the skin in the area of ​​the joint is another typical symptom of gout. The skin around the joint is red, hot, and extremely sensitive to touch.
• Limited mobility in problem joints – Uric acid crystals can cause joints to become stiff and stiff. This can cause joint movement to become painful and limited.
• Impairment of general well-being – in an acute attack of gout, men may feel general weakness, fatigue, and even fever. Sometimes the illness can last for several days or weeks.

If you notice these symptoms or experience joint pain, see your doctor. Early contact with a specialist will help reduce the risk of complications and increase the success of treatment.

Diagnosis of gout

Diagnosis of gout is carried out on the basis of anamnesis, clinical manifestations of the disease and special laboratory tests.

Laboratory testing of blood for the presence of urea and uric acid crystals is done to confirm the diagnosis. With gout, the concentration of these substances in the blood increases, which indicates a metabolic disorder in the body. Also, X-ray and ultrasound examinations are carried out to determine the degree of damage to the joints and other internal organs.

The success of gout treatment depends on timely diagnosis and the appointment of complex therapy, which includes not only drugs, but also regular consultations with rheumatologists and nutritionists.

Treatment of gout

Treatment of gout should be prescribed by a specialist who selects the optimal combination of drugs, taking into account the stage and form of the disease. During an exacerbation of the disease, drugs are indicated that reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

If conservative treatment fails, surgery may be required. It may be done to remove large masses on the joints or to improve kidney function if they have been affected by a disease.

• It is important not to start the disease and consult a doctor in a timely manner;
• Do not neglect prescribed drugs, follow the recommendations of a specialist;
• With proper diet and measures to prevent flare-ups, the disease can be controlled.

Medicines for gout: Drug name Description

Gout Folk Remedies

Strawberries

Due to the presence of salicylic acids and vitamin C, strawberries help reduce inflammation and joint pain associated with gout.

Fresh strawberries can be added to salads and desserts or consumed as an infusion.

Turmeric

Turmeric contains active ingredients that help lower uric acid levels and reduce joint inflammation.

To make tea, add 1 teaspoon of turmeric to boiling water and infuse for 10 minutes.

Lemon

Drinking lemon juice helps break down uric acid and lower its levels in the blood.

It is recommended to drink a glass of warm water with lemon juice every morning on an empty stomach.

Chestnut

Chestnut leaves contain saponins, which have an anti-inflammatory effect and help reduce joint pain in gout.

To make an infusion of chestnut leaves, pour boiling water over them and steep for 15-20 minutes.

Prevention of gout in men

Gout is a form of arthritis that can greatly affect the quality of life. Knowing how to prevent gout is important for all men, especially those whose close relatives have had the disease.

Preventive measures include a healthy lifestyle. It is important to have a healthy diet and avoid excessive alcohol consumption, especially beer, which can lead to elevated levels of uric acid in the body.

• Monitor and control your weight
• Lower cholesterol, limit fat, smoking, and alcohol
• Limit purine-rich foods such as meats, seafood, and strong tea and coffee

It is important to promptly treat any conditions that increase the risk of gout, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, as well as timely access to a doctor, can significantly reduce the risk of developing gout in men.

What else can cause gout in men?

Gout is a chronic disease that can be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle. In addition, there are a number of reasons that can contribute to the development of gout in men.

• Nutrition : The habit of eating large amounts of meat and alcoholic beverages can lead to high levels of uric acid in the blood, which is the main cause of gout. In addition, raw meat and fish, as well as liver, can contribute to the development of the disease.
• Heredity : If family members have had a history of gout, the risk is greatly increased.
• Diabetes mellitus : This condition associated with elevated blood glucose levels may be associated with an increased risk of gout.
• Obesity : Being overweight can contribute to metabolic syndrome, which in turn can increase the risk of gout.

Given these factors, it is important to take care of your lifestyle to reduce your risk of gout. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can be helpful in preventing the disease.

Complications of gout

Gout is a disease associated with inflammation caused by the deposition of uric acid in the joints and tissues. If gout is not treated, various complications can occur.

Arthritis

The main cause of gouty arthritis is the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints. Arthritis manifests itself in the form of pain, inflammation and icteric coloration of the skin in the area of ​​the damaged joint. If treatment is not started on time, then arthritis can lead to disability.

Kidney stones

The kidneys can be affected by gout as uric acid is deposited in the kidneys and forms stones. If the stone blocks the urinary canal, then there will be acute pain and the kidneys may stop working.

Chronic renal failure

If gout is not treated, the persistent accumulation of uric acid can lead to chronic renal failure. When the kidneys do not work properly and cannot remove toxins from the body, serious health problems arise.

• It is important to know that gout is a chronic disease that requires time and patience to treat;
• Complications of gout can be serious, so it is important to start treatment on time;
• Diet and medication can help prevent complications from gout.

Living with gout: tips and tricks

Eat a special diet

• Avoid foods high in purines. They contribute to the formation of uric acid, which is the main cause of gout.
• Increase your water intake to help eliminate uric acid from the body.
• Avoid alcohol and carbonated drinks as they increase uric acid levels.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

• Maintain a healthy weight as being overweight can contribute to the formation of uric acid.
• Avoid overwork and stress, as they may worsen the patient’s condition.
• Maintain an active lifestyle and exercise regularly.

Take prescribed medications

• Take medications prescribed by your doctor, carefully follow the regimen and dose.
• If you are prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs, take them only when the disease worsens and avoid long-term use if possible.
• Be careful when self-medicating and do not take medication without a doctor’s prescription.

Seek medical attention if your illness worsens

• If your illness worsens, see your doctor and follow your doctor’s instructions.
• Do not self-medicate or change the dosage of medicines without your doctor’s permission.
• Follow lifestyle and dietary recommendations that can help reduce flare-ups and reduce the risk of disease complications.

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Q&A:

What is gout?

Gout is a chronic disease characterized by joint damage due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the blood. It most often occurs in men and is associated with metabolism.

What are the symptoms of gout?

The main symptoms of gout are pain and swelling in the joints, which usually appear at night and can last from several days to several weeks. Burns on the skin and increased body temperature may also be observed.

What is the diagnosis of suspected gout?

If gout is suspected, the doctor will do a test that includes a blood test for uric acid, an X-ray or ultrasound of the joints, and a determination of the level of uric acid crystals in the urine.