Gout is joint disease that is caused by uric acid crystal deposition.

 

Gout is suspected if one or more of these symptoms are present 

• Sudden onset pain in 1 or more joints 

• Severe pain with joint swelling/ redness 

• Pain in great toe 

 

Why treat gout early?

• Gout presents with recurrent episodes of  severe debilitating joint pains 

• If left untreated, gout can lead to joint damage and deformity 

• With proper treatment, pain can be relieved quickly and further such episodes can be prevented 

 

Which doctor to consult for Lupus treatment?

A Rheumatologist is the best specialist for management of gout. High uric acid is a very common finding and happens during multiple reasons. However, many a times uric acid is wrongly attributed as a cause for a person’s joint pains. Moreover, treatment for lowering uric acid is continued for a long time and requires regular monitoring. Due to this reason, this treatment should only be initiated under a rheumatologist’s supervision.

 

How is gout treated?

Acute episodes of gout are treated with pain killers, steroids, colchicine and joint injections. For long term treatment uric acid lowering drugs like allopurinol or febuxostat may be given. Apart from medication, lifestyle modification like weight reduction, avoiding alcohol consumption, exercise and certain dietary modifications are recommended. Sea food, red meat, alcohol and artificially sweetened beverages contain high amount of uric acid and should be avoided in patients of gout.