Treatment of gout is necessary because the pain accompanying the symptoms of gout can upset and render oneself immobile for some time. There are two approaches to treating gout:
- Using gout medications, preferably prescribed by a rheumatologist or arthritis doctor
- Using gout home remedies
Gout medications
Anyone who has had an onset of painful gout attack must consult a doctor, preferably a rheumatologist (arthritis doctor) so that proper diagnosis can be conducted and treatment can be given.
The most popular drugs are the Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) .These include indomethacin(Indocin), ibuprofen (Advil), andnaproxen (Aleve). Newer drugs such ascelecoxib (Celebrex) can also be used.
Take note that aspirin should never be used to treat gout because it can actually elevate the uric acid levels and may worsen the pain. The contraindications of taking these NASAIDs include a history of peptic ulcer, or kidney disorders. Complications may also include upset stomach, bleeding ulcers, and decreased kidney function.
Colchicine (Colcrys) can be administered to treat the acute attack of arthritis or to prevent recurring attacks. The usual dose is two tablets at once followed by another tablet an hour later to remedy hot swollen joint. If taken to prevent future attack, one or two tablets a day are to be taken.
Taking colchicine can only minimize gout attacks, accumulation of uric acid can still happen which may lead to joint damage. Consult your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems.
Some doctors may give corticosteroids like prednisone (Meticorten, Sterapred, Sterapred DS) NSAIDs. A high-dose of corticosteroids are recommended on first treatment and tapered off within a couple of weeks. However, take the medicine as prescribed for better result.
When taken on the short-term use, corticosteroids may pose some problems or complications such as altered mood, elevated blood pressure, and fluctuating glucose levels among diabetics. Corticosteroids can be injected into the swollen joint. When injected, it is advisable to rest the joint temporarily.
There are other medicines for the prevention of painful gout attacks and for reducing uric acid levels. These medicines are referred to as maintenance drugs to lower the uric acid well below normal to prevent recurrent gouty arthritis attacks. The blood uric acid level is targeted to be below 6.0 mg/dL for maintenance therapy.
Probenecid (Benemid) aids in eliminating excess uric acid through the kidneys and into the urine. To ensure that kidney stones are not formed, drink at least 2 liters of fluid while under medication.
If you have been diagnosed with kidney problems or had kidney stones or taking aspirin, it is better to take allopurinol. Allopurinol is prescribed as a maintenance therapy for arthritis. The medicine lowers the formation of uric acids as well as control blood uric acid level.
Stomach pain, headache, diarrhea, and rash are the common side effects observed while using allopurinol. Consult your doctor when you feel that you are hypersensitive to allopurinol to avoid further complications like severe skin rash, fever, kidney failure, liver failure, and bone marrow failure.
Febuxostat (Uloric) is a newly-approved medication for treating or controlling gout. The drug lowers the formation of uric acid by the body and is also very effective in lowering the blood uric acid level. The good thing is that febuxostat can be used in patients with mild to moderate kidney disorder.
Gout home treatment
When gout attacks, the first thing a patient does is to relieve himself with the pain of gout. Here are a few home-care treatments that you do.
To help swollen joints to receive proper blood circulation, elevating the ankle above your chest level is advised.
Cold compress or ice packs is best for relieving pain and reducing swell in joints. You can alternate this with hot compress to hasten the blood circulation in the affected area.
Using a splint, wrap the swollen joints with a cloth to lessen the swelling and avoid further damage. You can also support yourself and lessen the weight off the joint by using a cane.
In a circular motion, exercise your ankle. A gentle massage can also promote good blood circulation.
Drink a lot of fluid to dilute the uric acids in the body. Hydrating oneself frequently has a cleansing effect and will reduce the intensity of gout attack.
Cherry juice, which has anthocyanins and also found in Vitamin C rich fruits, lessens the degree of pain and the frequency of gout attacks. Drinking cherry juice has been found very helpful.
Which treatment should I use?
The treatment of gout depends a lot on the level of uric acid production by the body. To lessen the painful and recurring gout attack, watch the food that you eat and ensure they are low-purine foods. Remember, we are what we eat. If we eat food that will make us sick, then we will be sick.
Prevention is better than cure. Avoiding food and drinks that are high in uric acid production can remedy any painful attack.
Avoid food that increases the levels of uric acids. These are purine rich foods like fish, anchovies, shellfish, meat and meat stock, eggs, and caffeine (coffee, tea, cola, chocolate).
Have only one serving a day of these foods such as spinach, whole-grain cereals and breads, yeast, asparagus, dry beans, cauliflower, lentils, mushrooms, oatmeal, dry peas.
Refrain from alcoholic beverages specifically beer which is fermented and has high uric acid.