Gout Disease Treatment: An Overview of Treatment Options for Gout Patients

 

Gout Disease Treatment 

Causes and Risk Factors of Gout

There are several factors that can contribute to developing gout. Consumption of alcohol or foods high in purines like red meat and seafood can increase uric acid levels in the blood. Genetics also plays a role as gout tends to run in families. Certain medications such as water pills (diuretics) used to treat high blood pressure can also elevate uric acid levels. Being overweight and having high blood pressure or kidney disease are other risk factors linked to gout development.

Acute Gout Disease Treatment

An acute Gout Disease Treatment flare is when the uric acid crystals in the joint cause sudden and severe pain, swelling, warmth and redness in the joint, usually the big toe. To treat an acute gout attack, doctors may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or colchicine. NSAIDs like indomethacin or naproxen are effective at reducing pain and inflammation during a gout flare. Colchicine works similarly but has the added benefit of preventing future gout attacks when taken long-term. Corticosteroids given by mouth or injection may also be used to treat severe gout attacks. Applying ice packs can help provide pain relief and limit swelling.

Long-Term Gout Disease Treatment

The goal of long-term gout treatment is to lower uric acid levels in the blood and prevent future gout attacks. This is typically done through medications or lifestyle changes. Medications commonly prescribed for long-term use include allopurinol (formerly known as Zyloprim), febuxostat (Uloric), probenecid and lesinurad (Zurampic). These medications work by either blocking uric acid production or increasing uric acid excretion through urine. Lifestyle changes such as losing weight if overweight, limiting alcohol intake and choosing a diet low in purine-rich foods can also help control uric acid levels and reduce gout symptoms over time.

Gout Surgery

While uncommon, gout surgery may be an option for some patients who have not been able to control their uric acid levels with medications and lifestyle changes alone. Arthroscopic surgery involves washing out the uric acid crystals from the joint under local or general anesthesia. This can provide immediate pain relief and restore joint mobility. Another surgical option is an operation called a synovectomy, which involves removing the synovial tissue inside the joint space where urate crystal deposits tend to accumulate over time. This can prevent future gout attacks in that specific joint.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Gout Disease Treatment

Some people with gout use complementary or alternative therapies in addition to conventional treatments. Certain supplements and herbs are believed by some to help lower uric acid levels or reduce gout symptoms, but more research is still needed to confirm their effectiveness. Supplements which some claim may help include cherries or tart cherry juice, bromelain from pineapples, ginger, turmeric and devil's claw. However, gout patients should always discuss using any supplements with their doctor, as some could potentially interfere with prescription gout medications. Proper diet, exercise, acupuncture and mindfulness relaxation techniques are other complementary approaches sometimes used to manage gout.

Gout Complications if Uncontrolled

If left untreated, gout can lead to serious health problems over time. Repeated gout attacks which cause joint damage can lead to permanent joint deformity and disability. Tophi, which are urate crystal deposits under the skin, may form around joints and cause limitation of motion. High uric acid levels have also been linked to an increased risk of kidney stones and kidney disease. Gout has even been associated with more serious conditions like heart disease if uric acid is not well-managed. Following treatment as prescribed by a doctor is crucial for gout patients to avoid complications and maintain quality of life. Open communication with a rheumatologist or primary care provider is also important for long-term gout care.

New and Emerging Gout Treatments

Research into gout continues with the goal of developing more effective and safer treatment options. There are several new therapies being studied that directly inhibit uric acid production or help clear it from the body. Canakinumab (Ilaris) is a human monoclonal antibody targeted at interleukin-1ß, a protein involved in uric acid-induced inflammation. Pegloticase (Krystexxa) is a uric acid-degrading enzyme approved to treat uncontrolled gout in patients not responding to other medications. Multiple urate transporter inhibitors designed to promote urate excretion through the kidneys are also in clinical trials. Additionally, scientists are investigating stem cell therapies and gene-silencing approaches that could potentially cure gout by eliminating urate crystals permanently within joints. While these new treatments are promising, more research is still needed before they can be routinely used in clinical practice.

gout disease treatment is a treatable form of arthritis that affects millions worldwide. Proper long-term management through a combination of medication, lifestyle modifications and medical care can help control pain, prevent future attacks and reduce the risk of related health issues. With continued advances in research, improved and targeted therapies for gout are hoped to provide better relief and quality of life for gout patients in the future.

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