Treatments for Gout
Gout is an inflammatory condition affecting one’s joints. This condition is caused by increased levels of uric acid in the blood. The uric acid forms crystals, which deposit in joints. The deposition of these crystals cause redness, warmth, swelling and pain in various joints. The most common joint affected is the big toe, but other joints could also be affected. More than two million Americans have gout. It most commonly affect males between the ages of 30 and 50 years old. Gout can be triggered by obesity, excessive alcohol use, trauma, certain medications, and a high protein diet.
Gout Diagnosis
Your doctor can diagnose gout by history, physical exam, blood work (elevation of uric acid in the blood) and joint fluid analysis (uric acid crystals). The main goal of treatment is symptomatic relief and prevention of the recurrence. Treatments for gout include diet modification along with medication. There are many gout medications used for acute attacks (e.g. NSAIDS, colchicines, steroids) and for prevention (e.g. allopurinol and others).
