Managing Gout: Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies

What Does Gout Mean?

• Asymptomatic hyperuricemia: This stage occurs when uric acid levels in the blood are high, but there are no symptoms of gout. During this stage, uric acid crystals may be forming in the joints, but there is no inflammation or pain. This stage can last for years or even decades, and it is important to monitor uric acid levels during this time to prevent the progression of gout.
• Acute gout attack: This is the most recognizable stage of gout, characterized by sudden and severe pain in the affected joint. The joint may become red, swollen, and tender to the touch. An acute attack can last for several days to weeks and is often triggered by factors such as stress, injury, alcohol consumption, or a diet high in purines.
• Intercritical gout: This stage occurs between gout attacks when there are no symptoms present. However, uric acid crystals may still be present in the joints during this stage, and there is a risk of another gout attack. It is important to manage uric acid levels during this stage to prevent future attacks.
• Chronic gout: If gout is not treated, it can progress to a chronic stage, where the frequency and severity of attacks increase. As a result, the joints that are affected can be damaged, and tophi – which are masses of uric acid crystals – may appear under the skin. Chronic gout can cause joint deformities, limit mobility, and negatively impact one’s quality of life.

Gout is a painful and inflammatory condition that typically affects the joints, particularly in the big toe, but can also affect other joints, such as the ankles, knees, wrists, and elbows. The signs and symptoms of gout include:

• Sudden and severe pain: Gout attacks often come on suddenly and are characterized by intense pain in the affected joint. The pain may be described as throbbing, burning, or excruciating and can be so severe that even light pressure on the joint is unbearable.
• Redness and swelling: The affected joint may become red, swollen, and tender to the touch. The skin over the joint may also feel warm or feverish.
• Limited mobility: Due to the pain and swelling, it may be difficult to move the affected joint, and even simple activities like walking or standing may be painful.
• Tophi: In some cases, collections of uric acid crystals called tophi may develop under the skin around the affected joint. Tophi can be hard and lumpy and may cause the skin to become discolored or peel.
• Fatigue and fever: During a gout attack, it is not uncommon to feel fatigued and feverish, as the body’s immune system responds to the inflammation in the joint.

It is very important to note that some people may experience gout without experiencing all of these symptoms.

• Organ meats, such as liver, kidneys, and sweetbreads.
• Red meat and game meat, such as beef, lamb, and venison.
• Seafood, such as anchovies, sardines, herring, mussels, scallops, and trout.
• Some vegetables, such as asparagus, mushrooms, and spinach.
• Legumes, such as lentils and peas.
• Beer and other alcoholic beverages.

To diagnose gout, a healthcare provider will typically perform a physical examination and order laboratory tests, including:

• Joint fluid analysis: A small sample of fluid is removed from the affected joint using a needle and syringe. The fluid is examined with the help of a microscope for the presence of any uric acid crystals.
• Blood tests: Blood tests can measure the level of uric acid in the blood, which is usually elevated in people with gout. However, it is very important to note that some people with high uric acid levels do not develop gout, and some people with gout may have normal uric acid levels.
• Imaging tests: X-rays, ultrasound, or other imaging tests may be used to visualize the affected joint and look for signs of damage or tophi.
• Medical history and physical examination: The healthcare provider will also ask about the person’s symptoms, medical history, and any medications they are taking. They may also examine the affected joint, looking for signs of inflammation, such as redness, warmth, and swelling.

The combination of these tests, along with the person’s medical history and physical examination, can help healthcare providers make a diagnosis of gout. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you may have gout, as prompt diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the severity and frequency of gout attacks and prevent long-term joint damage.

The treatment of gout aims to relieve pain and inflammation during acute attacks, prevent future attacks, and lower uric acid levels in the blood to prevent the formation of urate crystals in the joints. The treatment options for gout include:

• Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which may include ibuprofen, naproxen, or indomethacin, can be used to relieve pain and inflammation during acute attacks. Colchicine is another medication that can be used to reduce inflammation during gout attacks. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, can also be used to reduce inflammation in severe cases.
• Urate-lowering therapy: To prevent future attacks and reduce the risk of joint damage, medications that lower uric acid levels in the blood can be used. Allopurinol and febuxostat are two commonly used drugs that lower uric acid production in the body. Probenecid is another medication that increases uric acid excretion through the kidneys. These medications may need to be taken for several months or years to achieve a stable uric acid level.
• Lifestyle changes: Changes in diet and lifestyle can also help prevent gout attacks. This includes limiting alcohol consumption, reducing intake of purine-rich foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying hydrated.
• Colchicine prophylaxis: A low dose of colchicine can be prescribed to prevent future gout attacks in some individuals.
• Acute uric acid lowering therapy: Medications such as pegloticase and rasburicase can be used to rapidly lower uric acid levels in individuals with severe and advanced gout.

The choice of your treatment depends on the severity of gout, the frequency of attacks, and the individual’s medical history and preferences.

• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water and other fluids can help flush excess uric acid from the body, reducing the risk of gout attacks.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of gout, so maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help reduce the risk of gout attacks.
• Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol can increase uric acid levels in the blood, so limiting alcohol consumption or avoiding it altogether can help prevent gout attacks.
• Avoid purine-rich foods: Foods that are high in purines, such as organ meats, shellfish, and red meat, can increase uric acid levels in the blood. Limiting or avoiding these foods can help reduce the risk of gout attacks.
• Consume low-fat dairy products: Low-fat dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, can help reduce the risk of gout attacks.
• Apply ice to the affected joint: Applying ice to the affected joint can help reduce pain and inflammation during acute gout attacks.
• Rest and elevate the affected joint: Resting and elevating the affected joint can help reduce pain and inflammation during acute gout attacks.
• Try cherry juice or extract: Cherry juice or extract may help reduce the risk of gout attacks, as cherries have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Consider taking vitamin C supplements: Vitamin C supplements may help reduce uric acid levels in the blood and reduce the risk of gout attacks.

• Sudden and severe joint pain: If you experience sudden and severe joint pain, especially in the big toe, ankle, or knee, it could be a sign of a gout attack.
• Joint stiffness: If you experience joint stiffness or reduced range of motion in a joint, it could be a sign of gout or another underlying condition.
• Redness and swelling: If you notice redness, warmth, and swelling in a joint, it could be a sign of gout or another inflammatory condition.
• Fever: If you have a fever along with joint pain and inflammation, it could be a sign of a more serious infection.
• Chronic joint pain: If you experience chronic joint pain and inflammation, it could be a sign of gout or another underlying condition.
• Family history of gout: If you have a family history of gout, it is important to talk to your doctor about your risk and whether you should be screened for gout.

As a telemedicine platform, Ongo Care virtual healthcare Team can provide a range of services to help with gout management and care. Here are some ways that the Ongo Care telehealth solutions team can assist individuals with gout:

• Diagnosis and treatment: Ongo Care Team can provide remote consultations with licensed healthcare providers who can diagnose and treat gout. This can include prescribing medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or colchicine, and providing guidance on lifestyle changes and self-care strategies.
• Monitoring and follow-up care: Ongo Care Team can provide ongoing monitoring and follow-up care for individuals with gout, including regular check-ins and medication management.
• Education and support: Ongo Care Team can provide education and support to individuals with gout, including information on diet and lifestyle changes that can help prevent gout attacks, as well as tips for managing gout symptoms and flare-ups.
• Convenience and accessibility: Ongo Care Team can provide convenient and accessible care for individuals with gout without the need for in-person appointments or travel. This can be especially helpful for individuals with mobility issues or those who live in rural or remote areas.

Ongo Care Team can play a valuable role in helping individuals with gout manage their condition and improve their quality of life. By providing access to licensed healthcare providers, education and support, and convenient and accessible care, Ongo Care Team can help individuals with gout get the care they need to stay healthy and prevent complications.

Frequently Asked Questions