![]() ![]() However, diagnosing gout can be hard, and treatment plans often must be tailored for each person. ![]() Fortunately, it is possible to treat gout and reduce its very painful attacks by avoiding food and medication triggers and by taking medicines that can help. Fifty percent of first episodes occur in the big toe, but any joint can be involved. The first symptoms usually are intense episodes of painful swelling in single joints, most often in the feet, especially the big toe. In fact, gout can affect anyone, and its risk factors vary. It is sometimes referred to as the “disease of kings,” because people long have incorrectly linked it to the kind of overindulgence in food and wine only the rich and powerful could afford. Gout is a painful and potentially disabling form of arthritis that has been around since ancient times. Lifestyle changes such as controlling weight, limiting alcohol intake and limiting meals with meats and fish rich in purines also can help control gout.Gout treatment aims for a uric acid level of 6 mg/ dL or lower to dissolve or prevent crystals.After gout flares have resolved, there are medications that can lower the level of uric acid over time in order to prevent or lessen attacks. For control of acute attacks of joint pain, there are NSAIDs, colchicine and corticosteroids. There are two types of medicine for gout.Patients may need medications to lower their elevated blood uric acid levels that predispose to gout.Treatment choices depend on kidney function, other health problems, personal preferences and other factors. Gout treatments exist, but therapy should be tailored for each person.Finding the characteristic crystals in the fluid of joints allows health care providers to correctly diagnose gout.Intensely painful, swelling joints (most often in the big toe or other part of the foot) and/or bouts of arthritis that come and go may indicate gout. ![]()
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