Happy Gout Awareness month here at UnabridgedMD in Rheumatology!
As rheumatologists, one of the most common inflammatory arthritis conditions we treat is gout. It’s an incredibly painful form of arthritis that can dramatically impact your quality of life if left unmanaged. In this blog, we’ll explore what gout is, why it occurs, and how we can effectively address it together.
Check out this video below:
What is Gout?
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis marked by sudden and severe episodes of pain, redness, and swelling, often targeting the big toe. The pain can be so intense that even the touch of a bedsheet feels unbearable. While these flare-ups may initially come and go, untreated gout can lead to chronic arthritis and permanent joint damage.
At its root, gout is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Uric acid is a waste product that, under normal circumstances, dissolves in the blood and exits the body through urine. However, when the body produces too much uric acid or fails to eliminate enough of it, crystals can form in the joints, triggering inflammation and pain. Risk factors include kidney issues, diets rich in purines (found in red meats, seafood, and beer), certain medications, and genetics.
If gout is left untreated, it’s not just about the pain. Here’s what else can happen:
Joint Damage: Chronic inflammation can destroy joints, causing deformities and reduced mobility.
Tophi Formation: Uric acid crystals can build up under the skin, forming visible lumps called tophi. These commonly appear on the fingers, toes, elbows, and ears.
Kidney Complications: Uric acid can form kidney stones or contribute to long-term kidney damage.
Increased Cardiovascular Risk: High uric acid levels are associated with heart disease and vascular complications.
While some patients attempt to manage gout by avoiding certain foods or taking over-the-counter pain relievers, these measures alone are rarely enough. Gout is not merely a dietary issue—it’s a medical condition requiring comprehensive care. Without appropriate treatment, the long-term consequences can be severe and irreversible.
The Good News: Gout is Treatable
The silver lining is that gout is one of the most treatable forms of arthritis. With modern medications and a tailored approach, remission is entirely possible.
Our Comprehensive Approach:
Lowering Uric Acid Levels:
Medications such as allopurinol or febuxostat are used to lower uric acid levels. Our goal is to reduce uric acid to below 6 mg/dL (or below 5 mg/dL in patients with tophi).
Regular monitoring every two weeks during the initial treatment phase ensures we’re on track to meet this goal.
Managing Flares:
Starting uric acid-lowering therapies can sometimes trigger flares as the body adjusts. To minimize discomfort, we often prescribe colchicine, NSAIDs, or low-dose prednisone during this period.
Dissolving Tophi:
Consistently low uric acid levels can dissolve tophi over time. In severe or resistant cases, advanced treatments like pegloticase (Krystexxa) may be considered. This is typically reserved for complex cases due to cost and potential side effects.
Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustments:
At UnabridgedMD, our hands-on approach includes frequent follow-ups to ensure your treatment plan remains effective and adaptable to your needs.
Early Treatment Makes a Big Difference
Many patients seek help only after years of pain and repeated flare-ups. But here’s the reality: the sooner we start treatment, the better the outcomes. Most patients who commit to a treatment plan achieve remission within 4-6 months. Once your uric acid levels stabilize and symptoms resolve, you may only need minimal ongoing care.
#ArthritisCare #PainManagement #LowPurineDiet #GoutPrevention#RheumatologyCare
#ArthritisSupport #HealthAndWellness #GoutRemission #JointCare #GoutFlareUp #ArthritisRelief#NutritionForGout #HolisticHealth #ChronicIllness#GoutPain#KidneyHealth
#HeartHealth#PatientEducation #RheumatologyExperts #GoutManagement
Are you in need of a compassionate rheumatologist who will listen and work with you toward disease remission? If you're searching for the best direct-care rheumatologist in Denver, UnabridgedMD is here for you. Click here to get in touch https://www.unabridgedmd.com or call 303-731-4006
Comments