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Treatments for the Gout
Gout is one of a number of diseases that affects the joints. This disease is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the joints. Due to an number of conditions, the body produces a lot of uric acid, and too little of it leaves the body through the urine. High blood pressure medicines can be contributing factors in developing gout. High blood pressure meds can prevent uric acid from going out of the body in the urine.
Gout usually starts with tenderness, pain, redness, and inflammation in the affected joint. There may also be swelling around the joints and muscle aches. Men are more often afflicted with this disease. The onset of gout symptoms is usually between the ages of 45-65. Gout may be treated successfully once, or may become a chronic condition.
If you think that you are experiencing gout or have general pain and swelling in the legs, contact a physician as soon as you can. Your health care provider may perform these tests for evidence of the gout disease.
- A complete physical and patient history
- A test to measure the levels of uric acid in your blood and urine
- Multiple tests of a patient's urine, to test for proper kidney functioning
- Chemistry tests of various levels in the bloodstream
- A comprehensive blood count
- A test called ESR to check for inflammation
If you test with positive results, there are treatment options including
- Drinking a lot of water and other fluids to wash the uric acid out of the body
- A medicine called colchicines to treat an attack
- In cases of chronic gout attacks, allopurinol medication is often helpful
- Aspirin and indomethacin are two over the counter anti-inflammatories that treat gout
Most people with the gout return to normal functioning. The toughest times are after the first attack, due to the fear of the condition getting worse. Once diagnosed, people will often recover well with therapy and the symptoms will often go away within 72 hours. A key is early diagnosis and therapy. Your physician will instruct you on early signs of the disease, and the most suitable treatment options.
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Athletes Foot
