Treatment For Gout
Treatment of gout can be divided into two type: acute and chronic treatments. As podiatrists, we most commonly will treat acute gout attacks. Initial evaluation in office would include careful exam, xrays, anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections as well as blood work to test your uric acid levels. Depending on whether it is your first gout attack or if it is a more chronic issue, the treatment long term treatment might differ. Patients who have their first gout attack can often pinpoint certain foods or alcohol that might trigger their attacks. in this instance, gout attacks can be diet controlled in some cases. If gout attacks keep occurring it is important to see your primary care doctor to get a full work up to make sure you don't have an underlying condition. In addition to this, there are medications you can take that will prevent gout attacks from happening in the future.
I Got Diagnosed With Gout
Once you have been diagnosed with gout, the first thing you must realize is that it is a chronic, lifelong disease. With that being said the treatment is really straight forward. And with the help of a podiatrist, you can learn to treat and manage this with ease!
Top Four Treatment Options for Gout
- During an acute attack you will be treated with non-steroidal anti-in flammatory medications, and perhaps an injection of steroids.
- Long term management usually includes the use of medications to lower your blood level of uric acid. This is done with any one of several medications determined by your treating physician.
- you must follow strict food guidelines in order to avoid the foods that triggered the attack in the first place. Usually a brief visit with a registered dietician will give you all the information you would need to know.
- Always tell any doctor you are seeing that you have gout so they can avoid giving you any medications that might not be in the best interest of your gout history.
Gout can be controlled if you follow these 4 simple rules.
More Treatment Options for Gout
Initial treatment of an attack of gout typically includes the following:
• Medications - Prescription medications or injections are used to treat the pain, swelling, and inflammation.
• Dietary restrictions- Foods and beverages that are high in purines should be avoided, since purines are converted in the body to uric acid.
• Fluids- Drink plenty of water and other fluids each day, while also avoiding alcoholic beverages, which cause dehydration.
• Immobilize and elevate the foot- Avoid standing and walking to give your foot a rest. Also, elevate your foot (level with or slightly above the heart) to help reduce the swelling. The symptoms of gout and the inflammatory process usually resolve in three to ten days with treatment. If gout symptoms continue despite the initial treatment, or if repeated attacks occur, see your physician for maintenance treatment that may involve daily medication. In cases of repeated episodes, the underlying problem must be addressed, as the build-up of uric acid over time can cause arthritic damage to the joint.
Do I Need Surgery if I Have Gout?
In some cases of gout, surgery is required to remove the uric acid crystals and repair the joint.Your foot and ankle surgeon will determine the procedure that would be most beneficial in your case.
What Foods to Avoid if You Have Gout
The way you eat is important in general, but, especially when you are suffering from gout. Certain foods can lead to a gout attack because they can raise your uric acid level. These trigger foods are commonly high in purines, when you digest these purnies your body makes uric acid and that leads to a gout attack!
I will mention the basic food types and not bother you with most of the “whys” as to why it causes the pain that it does. Just know when you hear the word “purines” you are to avoid these foods as they can be a trigger for gout attack.
These foods are listed in no particular order, so please avoid them all…
- Shellfish
- Organ meats (liver and the like)
- Large amounts of beef
- Alcohol
- Oily fish (sardines and the like)
- Fatty foods (fried foods and rich sauces)
- Fruit juices that are high in fructose (sugar)
- Caffeine
Avoiding these foods (especially in large amounts) is not only the healthy thing to do, it is one of the best ways to keep gout from attacking when you least expect it.
Hillsborough, NJ Doctor Can Help Treat Gout
Because of the complexity of the condition, it is important to visit one of the doctors at Family Foot and Ankle Specialist, we have two locations; Hillsborough, NJ and Piscataway, NJ. Together, will be able to confirm a diagnosis and cater a plan that works best for you. I hope every one enjoys the warmer weather and barbeques this summer. If you are suffering from gout, I hope to see you in my office soon.
