Is there a cure for gout?

Gout is a highly controllable and treatable  form of arthritis. Discover what causes gout and how you can manage it.

Gout (also called gouty arthritis) is a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals (a waste by-product eliminated by kidneys) around the joint.

Although abnormally high uric acid levels in the blood (hyperuricemia) are a precursor for gout, many people withhyperuricemia never develop the condition.

Many rich foods are known to heighten uric acid levels, increasing the risk, including:

• Tea, coffee, cocoa;
• Alcohol;
• Red meat and offal;
• Seafood;
• Fructose (especially in soft drinks).

Other contributing factors that lead to hyperuricemia include:

• Certain diuretics;
• Sudden diet changes;
• Significant weight loss or weight gain;
• Hypertension;
• Obesity;
• Diabetes;
• Low estrogen levels (postmenopausal women).

Gout is more prevalent in men than in women, and the risk of developing it increases with age.

Symptoms come on suddenly and cause intense pain, which is usually limited to one joint, most often the big toe. Once an attack of gout is set off, the affected joint will become swollen and red and feel hot. The toe can become so hyper-sensitive, the weight of a bed sheet is practically intolerable.

An attack can last from three to ten days and be accompanied by a fever. If gout goes untreated, subsequent attacks may increase in intensity and spread to other joints.

• Gout may become chronic and cause tophus.
• Deterioration of cartilage and bones.
• Kidney failure.
• Kidney stones.
• Increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

Why suffer needlessly? Gout is highly treatable; it’s one of the only forms of arthritis that can be cured. With the right care, patients can control their symptoms, slow the progression of the disease and prevent future flare-ups.

Options include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs);
• Corticosteroids;
• Colchicines;
• Insuring you get adequate sleep at night and plenty of extra rest;
• Cold therapy using ice packs for 10-30 minutes, four times a day.

• Taking colchicine doses on a regular basis decreases the frequency of attacks.
• Febuxostat or allopurinol are commonly prescribed to lower uric acid levels in the bloodstream.
• Reduce your intake of rich, fatty foods known to spike hyperuricemia levels.
• Drink plenty of fluids (at least three liters of water) per day.
• Lose weight.
• Take vitamin C supplements.

You can effectively control gout and prevent many of its complications just by modifying your eating habits and seeking medical advice.