TREATMENT GOAL OF GOUT

Edited by, JASPER VICTORIA

Gout is the persistently raised levels of Uric acid due to which the monosodium urate crystals get accumulated and deposited in the peripheral joints and soft tissues. It usually occurs first as mono-arthritis in the foot or ankle, known as the podagra in the big toe, meta-tarsophalangeal joint.

AIMS IN THE TREATMENT OF GOUT:

Rapidly alleviating the acute gout attack

Preventing gout attacks that might occur in the future

Lowering the serum uric acid levels

Reduce the risks associated with comorbidities

Employing lifestyle modifications

MEDICATIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF GOUT:

A single agent given below is selected first on the basis of the patients' need,

Colchicine

Oral NSAIDS

Corticosteroids: oral / intra-articular

Interleukin-1 inhibitors

When single agents are not effective, Colchicine may be combined either with NSAIDS or Corticosteroids.

THE NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO BE DONE ALONG WITH TAKING THE MEDICATIONS ARE,

The joints may be rested for one or two days 

Ice packs may be applied over the joints 

These can help in alleviating the pain.

LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS:

Prefer vegetables, low/non-fat diet

Stay hydrated - drink at least 2 litres of water every day

Exercise regularly

THINGS TO LIMIT:

Foods having high purine content

Sweet juices

Salt

Sugar

Seafood

Beef

THINGS TO AVOID:

Alcohol

Food or juices having high fructose content

Organ meat

Obesity/overweight

Dehydration

Smoking