Introduction

If you suddenly experience a hot, red, swollen joint, it's crucial to seek medical attention. You can consult with your primary care physician, visit an emergency department, or see a rheumatologist (an arthritis specialist). These symptoms may also be caused by an infection or joint cartilage loss. Accurate diagnosis of gouty arthritis is essential as treatment depends on the cause of the inflammation. Learn more about arthritis.

If you've been diagnosed with gout and have had more than one arthritis attack, follow the prescribed medication regimen provided by your physician. If your condition doesn't improve with this treatment, consult your physician or visit the emergency department. You may require medication to prevent future arthritis flare-ups.

It's worth noting that attacks of abdominal pain, such as kidney stones (renal colic), may also be related to gout. Learn more about kidney stones.

Self-Care at Home

• Follow your prescribed medication regimen.
• If a joint is hot and swollen, consider using a cane or similar support to minimize weight-bearing on that joint.
• Elevate the swollen joint above your chest as much as possible; this can be helpful.
• Use ice packs to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
• Maintain proper hydration, as it is essential for minimizing gout attacks.

Follow-up

It is critically important to follow up with your doctor. Gouty arthritis is typically treated in two stages. The first stage involves treating the acute arthritis, while the second stage focuses on preventing future gouty arthritis attacks. During an acute attack, low doses of colchicine may be administered. However, medications to lower blood uric acid levels are avoided at this stage, as they could exacerbate or prolong the attack. Therefore, it's crucial to schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor once the acute attack has subsided to discuss the need for uric acid-lowering medication.

Prevention

If you are at risk for gout, consider the following preventive measures:

• Adopt a low-cholesterol, low-fat diet. This not only reduces the risk of gout but also lowers the risk of heart disease.
• Lose weight gradually, as rapid weight loss can occasionally trigger gout attacks.
• Limit your alcohol intake, particularly beer.
• Stay adequately hydrated.
• Adjust your consumption of dairy products, such as nonfat milk and yogurt, as they can reduce the frequency of gout attacks.

If you've experienced a gouty arthritis attack, it's important to follow these preventive measures and adhere to the treatment plan prescribed by your physician. Effective prevention of gouty arthritis may require lifelong medical therapy.

Living with gout

Lifestyle changes, including managing your weight, limiting alcohol consumption, and reducing the consumption of purine-rich foods like fish and meat, can be highly effective in controlling gout.

These lifestyle changes can make it easier to manage this lifelong condition. Consider gradual weight loss, avoiding alcohol, and, in some cases, reducing the intake of foods high in purines like fish, meat, and carbohydrates.