Gout: What’s it About?

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that causes pain and swelling in your joints, usually as flares that last for a week or two, and then resolve.

Gout happens when the purines that are found in the foods that we eat are converted to urate and the body fails to expel the excessive amounts. The urate then builds up in the blood, forming needle-shaped crystals in and around the joint. This leads to inflammation and arthritis of the joint.

There are a few things that can increase the likelihood of developing gout and trigger flare ups. The factors include having high urate levels, family history, age, alcohol consumption, drinking beverages that are high in fructose corn syrup, such as soda, and eating foods that are rich in purines, the substance that breaks down into urate.

The most common symptom of gout is pain in the affected joint. Many people experience their first flare up in one of their big toes, but it can also affect other joints in the body. The joint may feel swollen, red, warm, and stiff.

Gout flares usually occur in one joint and can be triggered by a handful of reasons. Flares can last up to a week or two. However, if the flare ups go untreated for extended periods of time, the flares may last longer and more frequently. Those affected by gout could potentially develop other conditions or complications, especially with the heart and kidneys. Common conditions include hypertension, kidney disease, kidney stones, obesity, diabetes, heart attack, and congestive heart failure.

Gout can be challenging to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to several different conditions. To help diagnose gout, a healthcare provider will ask for a medical history, symptoms, current medications, examine the affected joint(s), check urate levels in the blood, take a sample of fluid from a painful joint, or order an ultrasound.

Depending on symptoms and the cause of gout, treatment plans may differ from person to person. However, the goal is always the same; to reduce pain from flares, prevent future flares and damage, address other conditions and complications that coincide with gout, such as heart and kidney diseases.

In many instances gout is treated with medication to manage the underlying cause(s) and treat active flares. Some providers will also prescribe over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling of the joints. Other treatments may include changing diet and lifestyle.

There are many lifestyle changes that can help manage gout. Losing weight through a reduced calorie diet and increased exercise can help reduce urate levels, which can help lower or even stop the number of flares. Making diet changes will lower blood urate levels and lessen gout flare ups. Avoid drinks and foods that are high in purines such as: alcoholic beverages, soda, and limiting red meat and seafood.

Following the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is particularly helpful for those with high blood pressure in addition to gout. The DASH diet helps lower high blood pressure and lowers blood urate levels by limiting the number of foods that are high in purines.

When experiencing a gout flare it is helpful to apply ice to the affected area, elevate the affected limb, and rest the affected joint if possible.

Gout is manageable and treatable. If you feel that you may be suffering from flares, reach out to one of our trusted providers at 970-774-6187 to schedule a consultation to discuss options and develop a personalized plan that fits your needs and goals.