What is gout?
Gout is a medical condition where the uric acid levels in the joints increase and cause sudden, severe joint pain.
What are the symptoms of gout.
Sudden severe pain in any joint. Common joints affected are big toes, fingers, wrists, elbows or knees.
Redness, heat, swelling over the affected joint.
Triggers for gout?
Trauma to the joint, genetic, stress, serious illness, alcohol use, women after menopause, overweight, Food habits, some medications
What should I do if I have symptoms of gout ?
You should consult your healthcare provider.
How can my healthcare provider help me?
Your healthcare provider will ask you questions about your symptoms, your lifestyle.
You might be sent for a blood test, ultrasound, or x-ray.
Sometimes a needle is inserted into the joint to extract fluid and sent for testing.
What is the treatment for gout?
Your healthcare provider will prescribed medicines to relieve pain.
If symptoms do not get better in the next couple of days, medicines like steroids are prescribed.
Over long-term, medicines are prescribed to lower uric acid levels.
Self-help?
Self-help are for mild symptoms. If you symptoms persist, please consult your doctor immediately.
Take medicines as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Rest and raise the limb.
Keep an ice pack for about 20 minutes at a time every 2-3 hours.
Stay hydrated, unless you are on fluid restriction.
Avoid bedclothes off the affected joint at night. Do not put pressure on the joint.
Long-term recommendations for gout:
Start a healthy diet.
Plenty of vegetables, low-fat dairy
At least 2 alcohol free days a week.
Exercise regularly, but avoid intense exercise or trauma to the joints.
Stay hydrated.
Avoid smoking.
Don't eat a lot of red meat, kidneys, liver or seafood.
Don't eat a lot of sugary Beverages, snacks.
Don't eat a lot of fatty food.
Do not drink more than 112 grams of pure alcohol a week. [A standard drink contains about 14 grams of alcohol. This corresponds to a 12-US-fluid-ounce (350 ml) glass of beer, a 5-US-fluid-ounce (150 ml) glass of 12% ABV (alcohol by volume) wine, or a 1.5-US-fluid-ounce (44 ml) so-called "shot" of spirit.]
Do not drink the recommended amount of alcohol for a week all at once in 1-2 days.
Chronic gout:
When gout is not addressed for a long period of time, it leads to chronic gout.
Chronic gout can also cause tiny white lumps (tophi) to appear under your skin, especially on your ears, fingers or elbows. They can be painful.
You can get kidney stones if your uric acid levels are very high.
Gout on left foot
