Gout Treatment Guidelines

One of the most painful form of arthritis is what is known as gout. When you are hit by this ailment, you are likely to experience intense pain in your joints, especially the one at the base of your big toe. Do not be surprised if you happen to wake up from your sleep from a sudden burning pain, which might make you feel as if your toe is on fire. Moreover, the pain does not seem to subside and instead, worsens over a period of 12-24 hours after it begins. Other gout symptoms which you may experience include a lingering discomfort of the joint which may stay from a few days to weeks and inflammation and redness of your affected toe.

How is Gout Treated and Managed

The main guideline that is followed in the treatment of gout is the use of medications which are specifically used for treating gout attacks and preventing any future attacks as well. Gout, apart from causing painful symptoms, may lead to other complications such as formation of nodules under skin. So, in order to prevent such risks, patients are put on some other kind of medications, as well.

Medications which are used for treating the attacks include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and colchicine and corticosteroids. The NSAIDs, are utilized for reducing pain and inflammation which occur in gout. Higher doses of such medications usually help treat acute cases of gout. This may be followed by lower dosages, so as to reduce the chances of future flare-ups. Stomach pain, bleeding and ulcers may be the possible side effects. Colchicine, in case you are unaware, is a pain killer and suitable for patients who cannot make use of NSAIDs. This medication is most effective when taken right after the symptoms start showing up. Possible side effects include vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Then come what are known as corticosteroid medications. Even this class of drugs manage pain and inflammation, but again, is reserved for those who are considered unsuitable for the above two kinds of medications I have mentioned. This medication may be administered in the form of pills or can also be taken as injections. Side effects to watch out for would be reduced strength of the body, in warding off infections, bone thinning and delayed healing of wounds.

Apart from the above mentioned medications which help treat gout attacks and cut the chances of future flare-ups, there are some other kinds of drugs which help reduce the risk of the complications caused by gout. These medications include those which limit the production of uric acid in the body. So, when the uric acid level goes down, the risk of gout also does. Nausea, skin rash, low blood count and hampered liver function may be the possible side effects. Another class of medication belonging to this class works to improve the kidney's functions to get rid of uric acid from the body. Skin rash, stomachache and sometimes, kidney stones, may emerge as the side effects.

Speaking of gout treatment guidelines which can be followed at home, nothing is more beneficial than drinking 2-4 liters of fluid, including 8 - 9 glasses of water daily. Avoiding alcohol and high amounts of protein, and limiting the intake of foods high in purines, also help in the treatment plan of gout.