Learn how to treat a gout attack
An attack of gout is a type of arthritis, which occurs when uric acid builds up in the blood and causes inflammation in the joints.
It can be acute which is a painful condition that usually affects only one joint. While chronic refers to repeated episodes of pain and inflammation at more than one joint at te time.
Causes
Gout is caused by having a higher than normal level of uric acid in the body. This could happen if:
- The body produces too much uric acid
- The body has difficulty getting rid of uric acid
When too much uric acid builds up in the fluid around the joints (synovial fluid) forms little crystals. These crystals cause the joint to become inflamed, causing pain, swelling and elevated temperature in the area.
Symptoms
Gout can inflame one or more joints. The most commonly affected are usually the big foot, instep, ankle and knee.
Symptoms usually occur abruptly, often at night:
- In a very short time, the joint goes from normal to very severe swelling.
- Very intense pain.
- Swelling and redness of the joint.
- Local increase of the temperature.
- Great sensitivity to touch.
- Fever may also be present, although its occurrence requires ruling out other processes such as infection.
Recommendations for gout attacks
1. If you suffer a gout attack, follow the recommendations given by your doctor to relieve the pain and inflammation of the affected joint. Remember that if you are taking medications that lower blood uric acid, you should not stop taking them; the attack may be worse.
– Apply ice to the base of the big toe in a circular motion for 3-5 minutes.
– Elevate the leg above the level of the heart.
2. Watch your diet. You should follow a healthy diet. Reduce the consumption of foods rich in purines (red meat, offal, seafood, alcohol, sweetened drinks…). Rather than suppressing foods, it is necessary to moderate the consumption of those that increase uric acid.
3. Maintain adequate hydration. Abundant hydration (2 or 3 liters per day) is highly recommended in gout. Water, skimmed dairy products and citrus fruits (Vit C).
4. Exercise regularly. A sedentary lifestyle can worsen uric acid levels in the blood, making it more difficult to beat the disease.
5. Maintain an appropriate weight.
6. Follow your doctor’s advice to achieve an adequate blood uric acid level. Gout is actually treated by dissolving the urate crystals from the tissues permanently. Good control of uricemia is essential for this. If you take the recommended medication, in addition to an orderly diet and taking care of your lifestyle, it will be easier to achieve a cure.
An attack of gout is a type of arthritis, which occurs when uric acid builds up in the blood and causes inflammation in the joints.
It can be acute which is a painful condition that usually affects only one joint. While chronic refers to repeated episodes of pain and inflammation at more than one joint at te time.
Causes
Gout is caused by having a higher than normal level of uric acid in the body. This could happen if:
- The body produces too much uric acid
- The body has difficulty getting rid of uric acid
When too much uric acid builds up in the fluid around the joints (synovial fluid) forms little crystals. These crystals cause the joint to become inflamed, causing pain, swelling and elevated temperature in the area.
Symptoms
Gout can inflame one or more joints. The most commonly affected are usually the big foot, instep, ankle and knee.
Symptoms usually occur abruptly, often at night:
- In a very short time, the joint goes from normal to very severe swelling.
- Very intense pain.
- Swelling and redness of the joint.
- Local increase of the temperature.
- Great sensitivity to touch.
- Fever may also be present, although its occurrence requires ruling out other processes such as infection.
Recommendations for gout attacks
1. If you suffer a gout attack, follow the recommendations given by your doctor to relieve the pain and inflammation of the affected joint. Remember that if you are taking medications that lower blood uric acid, you should not stop taking them; the attack may be worse.
– Apply ice to the base of the big toe in a circular motion for 3-5 minutes.
– Elevate the leg above the level of the heart.
2. Watch your diet. You should follow a healthy diet. Reduce the consumption of foods rich in purines (red meat, offal, seafood, alcohol, sweetened drinks…). Rather than suppressing foods, it is necessary to moderate the consumption of those that increase uric acid.
3. Maintain adequate hydration. Abundant hydration (2 or 3 liters per day) is highly recommended in gout. Water, skimmed dairy products and citrus fruits (Vit C).
4. Exercise regularly. A sedentary lifestyle can worsen uric acid levels in the blood, making it more difficult to beat the disease.
5. Maintain an appropriate weight.
6. Follow your doctor’s advice to achieve an adequate blood uric acid level. Gout is actually treated by dissolving the urate crystals from the tissues permanently. Good control of uricemia is essential for this. If you take the recommended medication, in addition to an orderly diet and taking care of your lifestyle, it will be easier to achieve a cure.
