How to Treat Gout

Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis. It is the most common inflammatory arthritis among men. The treatment of the symptoms that come with gout (including pain, swelling of the joints, and tophi) is a long standing battle that can ofttimes be won.

Steps

1. Know the goals.
   • End the pain of acute flares.
   • Prevent future attacks.
   • Halt the formation of tophi (masses of urate crystals deposited in soft tissue).
   • Intercept the growth of kidney stones.
2. Know what to do.
   • Talk to your doctor about anti-inflammatory medicines and medicines that can reduce uric acid levels quickly.
   • Get more exercise. Exercise not only helps you to lose weight, it can also help you deal with the pain that comes with arthritis. 30 minutes a day is all it takes to see improvement.
   • Watch what you drink Do not drink alcohol. Try also to avoid caffeine and sodas. Drink at least six to eight 8 ounce glasses of water daily. This not only helps reduce gout symptoms, it can help with weight loss as well.
   • Watch what you eat. Many foods are high in uric acid, which can lead to a bout with gout attacks. Red meats, most shellfish and oily fish should be avoided. Talk to a nutritionist about a diet that is low in uric acid.
   • Protect your joints. Avoid joint injuries and repetitive movements that can aggravate afflicted joints.
   • See your doctor and follow all recommendations he/she may provide.

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Tips

• Contact the Arthritis Foundation for helpful information: http://www.arthritis.org/
• Avoid taking aspirin if you are having a gout attack. Take low doses of over-the-counter- medicines, such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium instead.
• Eating foods high in potassium can reduce the symptoms of gout during an attack.

Warnings

• Recurrent bouts of acute gout can lead to a degenerative form of arthritis called gouty arthritis.
• Gout is associated with an increased risk of kidney stones.