Have Gout? Here Are 9 Ways to Handle an Attack
So what is gout? Gout is actually a form of arthritis, but what many don’t realize (until they are affected) is that it is probably the most painful type out there. It is a long-term or chronic medical condition that requires specific lifestyle adjustments and often medication to help manage the symptoms.
An attack of gout is an extremely painful experience often localized to the big toe. Men who are overweight and tend to drink a lot of beer may find themselves woken harshly during the night. Of course, women can get gout too. The risk is often the highest following menopause. Clinical studies have associated this form of arthritis with the following medical conditions:
Painful Doesn’t Really Begin to Describe It
The pain is so severe, it is often described like having thousands of microscopic, searing hot knives jabbed into the affected joint at once. This incredibly uncomfortable, and often debilitating sensation is caused by uric acid. When it builds up in the blood, it can crystallize within the joint cavity (often in the feet first). These uric acid crystals do act like little knives which then causes the intense bouts of inflammation.
“The big toe was the most common place to get gout, but now gout is as likely to be seen in the knee, wrist, or fingers,” says Dr. James C.C. Leisen, head of rheumatology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. “In my hospital-based practice, gout is the most common type of arthritis I see, even more common than rheumatoid arthritis.”
Here’s a short video on learning how to recognize the signs of gout (in the foot):
What Can You Do To Protect Yourself from Gout?
One of the most important things that you can do is to take steps to reduce your uric acid levels and avoid possible and well known gout triggers. This requires a careful scrutiny of many factors in your day-to-day life. For starters, you could be taking some form of medication which is actually increasing your uric acid levels as a side effect. Several drugs commonly prescribed for hypertension and even aspirin has been shown to do this.
There are also a number of lifestyle factors will all increase your risk of developing gout. These range from eating too much shellfish to dehydration and even surgery. Medical experts recommend the following to help lower your risk of gout:
- Try to limit the amount of beer and alcohol in general that you consume on a regular basis.
- Take steps to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Moderate the amount of high fructose drinks that you consume on a regular basis (here’s a list of healthy alternatives for any soda fanatics out there).
- Maintain a healthy weight for your age and height range.
- Limit the amount of foods you eat containing purines. The most common culprits include red meats, organ meats and shellfish.
What If I Suffer a Gout Attack?
“A gout attack can be extremely painful. The affected joint becomes swollen, warm to the touch, and very red. Even slight pressure on the joint can be very painful. Fortunately, a gout attack is self-limited and will clear in time,” ensures Dr. Leisen.
Some people may not be able to keep their uric acid levels down even if they do limit their purine intake and stay hydrated. So, we recommend taking the following steps to manage your symptoms if an attack occurs:
- Go see your doctor – You need to first have a professional confirm that it is gout you are suffering from.
- Get off your feet – The best thing you can do for yourself during an attack is try and rest.
- Get some ice on it – This is a great way to combat that inflammation.
- Don’t cover it – The weight of any bedding or clothing alone can be excruciating, so keep your foot and leg bare if you can.
- Stay hydrated – Staying hydrated with plenty of water can actually help flush excess uric acid crystals from the system.
- Watch what you eat and drink – This is not going to be a good time to enjoy a juicy steak and a beer.
- Take some medication for the pain – “If you don’t have renal disease, NSAIDs are the best drugs for pain management,” suggests Dr. Leisen.
- Take gout-specific medication (if necessary) – There are several forms of medication that are designed to block the buildup of uric acid and can be prescribed by your doctor if necessary.
- Don’t rush anything – “Sometimes the best advice is to be patient and wait it out. A gout attack usually clears up within a few days. Take the medicine prescribed by your doctor and stay in bed. You will get better soon,” explains Dr. Leisen.
If you can take a firm grasp of things with your lifestyle choices and pain management strategy, than you can do quite a bit to prevent or limit the effects of gouty arthritis.