Gout
Gout stands as a form of arthritis triggered by an excess buildup of uric acid in the body. Typically characterized by sudden pain and swelling in a single joint, often the big toe or feet joints, gout can lead to discomfort and redness due to urate crystal deposition.
While uric acid is a natural substance filtered by the kidneys, imbalances can result in crystal formation, instigating gout attacks.
Men are more predisposed to gout, with factors like purine-rich foods, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain medications elevating the risk.
What are the common symptoms of gout?
The hallmark symptoms of gout include abrupt, severe pain and swelling in one or two joints, often with intermittent periods of remission. Prolonged uric acid elevation can lead to tophi formation, visible as swollen growths beneath the skin, frequently around joints or the outer ear.
Diagnosis involves a thorough history, physical examination, and laboratory tests, including blood tests to measure uric acid levels and joint fluid analysis to identify urate crystals.
What are the treatments for gout?
Gout treatment strategies aim to alleviate inflammation, lower uric acid levels, and prevent crystal deposition. During acute attacks, medications like colchicine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or glucocorticoids provide relief from pain and swelling.
Long-term management targets maintaining uric acid levels below 6 mg/dL, achieved through medications like allopurinol, febuxostat, probenecid, lesinurad, or pegloticase. Each individual's treatment plan is tailored to their unique needs, incorporating dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and medication adjustments.
How to live with gout?
Adopting dietary and lifestyle modifications is crucial for managing gout and preventing flare-ups. Patients are advised to monitor their diet, maintain a healthy weight, and limit alcohol consumption, particularly beer.
Avoiding purine-rich foods like shellfish, red meat, and organ meats, while incorporating low-fat dairy and purine-safe vegetables, can help regulate uric acid levels. Regular monitoring for associated conditions like high blood pressure, heart, and kidney diseases by primary care providers or rheumatologists is essential for comprehensive gout management.
About Dr. Shalene Badhan
When it comes to managing rheumatologic conditions, empathy is as crucial as expertise. Dr. Shalene Badhan, our lead Rheumatologist and an Internal Medicine specialist, embodies both. Having been diagnosed with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis herself, Dr. Badhan brings a unique perspective to her practice, combining professional excellence with personal insight. Her journey through diagnosis, treatment, and daily management of autoimmune diseases allows her to connect with her patients on a profound level, offering not just medical advice but also understanding and solidarity.
