About this topic
Gout happens when there is a buildup of uric acid crystals in a joint. The crystals cause swelling in the joint. Gout is commonly found in your feet, most often on your big toe. But, gout can be found in any joint. With gout you may have sudden very bad pain, soreness, redness, stiffness, and swelling of your joints. This pain may come and go. ‚
Proper treatment may improve signs and help prevent more gout attacks. Treatments needed are drugs, diet, and lifestyle changes. Surgery may be needed if the gouty part (tophi) is affecting your movement. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Ice or heat may be used to help with pain.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Put a heating pad on your painful part for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on as this can cause burns.
- Use a bed cradle to protect your feet when you sleep at night. This will keep pressure from sheets and blankets off of your feet.
- If the pain is unbearable and your toes and knees are involved, your doctor may suggest using crutches or a cane to help you walk and move around.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- You may need to have blood tests to measure your uric acid levels. The doctor may also order tests to check how well your kidneys are working.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Lower uric acid levels
- Prevent gout attacks
Your doctor may also change some of the drugs you are taking. Certain drugs may increase your uric acid levels and this makes gout worse. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
Exercise regularly. This can help reduce pain and improve your body function. Your doctor can help you figure out the best exercise for you. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- Eat a healthy diet. Eat low-fat dairy products, fresh fruits, and veggies.
- Ask for a dietitian to review your food choices.
- Do not crash diet.
- Drink lots of fluids. This may flush uric acid from your blood.
Avoid high-purine foods such as: ‚
- Red meats like steak and hamburgers
- Organ meat like kidney, liver, or brains
- Seafood and shellfish like shrimp, lobsters, mackerel, sardines, or scallops
- Beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol)
- Dried beans and peas
- Gravy
Avoid high-fructose foods such as: ‚
- Sweetened drinks and juices
- Foods with added fructose corn syrup like sodas, enriched fruit drinks, cereals, ice creams, and candy
What problems could happen?
- Kidney stones and other kidney problems
- Long-lasting joint problem
- Ongoing very bad pain
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Keep a healthy weight. Lose weight slowly. Fast weight loss and hunger can cause a gout attack.
- Avoid beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Tell your doctor if you are taking drugs for heart and kidney problems. Tell your doctor about all the drugs, vitamins, herbs, supplements, and any over-the-counter drugs you are taking. If you need to stop taking these drugs, ask your doctor first.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher
- Sudden very bad pain
- Warm, red, and swollen joints
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet or drugs.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have warm, red, swollen joints or very bad pain.
Where can I learn more?
Arthritis Foundation ‚
http://www.arthritis.org/goutliving-goutmanagement.php ‚
Arthritis Research UK ‚
http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/arthritis-information/conditions/gout.aspx ‚
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases ‚
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Gout/default.asp ‚
National Institute of Arthritis Health ¢ ˆ ’ Senior Health ‚
http://nihseniorhealth.gov/gout/whatisgout/01.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚