Gout Symptoms

Gout is an extremely painful form of arthritis that typically starts in the extremities, most often in the big toe. The symptoms can set in suddenly and will typically make the toe extremely sore, red in color, swollen and warm.

Gout can cause pain, swelling, heat, stiff joints and redness in the affected areas. It can affect other areas of the body including the insteps, ankles, knees, heels, wrists, fingers and elbows. Brought on my stress, illness or the use of drugs or alcohol, gout will typically run its course between 3 and 10 days, even without formal gout treatment. Months or even years can go by without another attack occurring.

Causes of Gout

Gout is the result of excessive levels of uric acid in the body. Uric acid is typically dissolved in the blood. It then passes through the kidneys and exits in the body’s urine. However, if the body increases uric acid production or is not able to remove the uric acid, gout can develop.

Treatment of Gout

Gout

The most common gout treatment is medication that will be prescribed by your doctor. The medications are required not only to treat acute gout and prevent it from recurring, but also to reduce the risk of complications from the disease. Complications that are avoided include tophi, the formation of urate crystals that result in the formation of nodules under the skin.

NSAIDS, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used in gout treatment to control both the inflammation and pain that are common with gout. A higher dose may initially be prescribed to stop attacks, followed by low daily doses to prevent a recurrence. NSAIDS include ibuprofen products like Advil and Motrin, naproxen products like Aleve and powerful prescription NSAIDS like indomethacin or Indocin. The biggest concern with NSAIDs is the risk of bleeding, ulcers and stomach pain.

Colchicine may be prescribed if you can not take NSAIDS. This pain reliever is effective for acute gout pain but may cause vomiting, diarrhea and nausea.

Corticosteroids such as prednisone are also used for pain and inflammation from gout. Available as a pill or injection, these drugs are typically used only if patients can not handle NSAIDs or colchicines. Potential side effects include bone loss, impaired wound healing and a lowered ability to fight off infections. The lowest dose possible will typically be chosen and the medications will not be prescribed for long periods of time due to these infections.

Treatment of Associated Complications

Gout comes along with complications that can cause serious problems. Gout treatment medications are typically used for the treatment of these complications.

Uric acid production is addressed and lowered using xanthine oxidase inhibitors such as Zyloprim, Uloric and Aloprim. As the body’s production of uric acid is lowered the risk of gout is also lowered. A rash and lower blood count are potential side effects. Another medication that may be used is febuxostat which may cause nausea, rash and lowered liver function.

Uric acid removal goes hand in hand with lowering the production of uric acid. Probenecid is used to help the kidney’s clear the body of uric acid. The increased levels of acid moving through the urine may cause a rash, kidney stones and stomach pain.

When you suspect you have gout it is important to seek medical attention. Gout treatment should be started as soon as possible for the fastest recovery and the fewest side effects.