Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 2: Taking Medication
• Part 2 of 2: Changing Your Diet
• Tips
• Warnings

Sudden severe joint pain and prolonged discomfort may indicate a special form of arthritis called gout. Gout can be caused by high uric acid levels. Uric acid is a complex compound that is normally filtered out by the kidneys and excreted in the urine. However, when uric acid levels are elevated, it can precipitate in the form of crystals, leading to conditions such as gout. In this regard, it may be necessary to lower the level of uric acid and dissolve its crystals. This can be done with medication, dietary changes, and exercise. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet or taking medication.

Attention:the information in this article is for informational purposes only. Before using any methods, consult your doctor.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Taking Medication

1. 1 Learn about the risk factors for developing gout. With gout, a form of arthritis associated with a high uric acid content, crystals can form in the synovial (joint) fluid. Older people are more susceptible to gout, although it can affect anyone. Although the exact causes of gout are not known, risk factors include a diet rich in meat and seafood, obesity and chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cases of gout in blood relatives, and certain medications.
   • Gout causes inflammation and bouts of joint pain (usually at night in the big toe), redness, swelling, fever, and tenderness in the joint area. After an acute attack, discomfort for several days or weeks is possible, the disease can develop into chronic gout and negatively affect mobility.
2. 2 See a doctor. For chronic gout or frequent or painful attacks, talk to your doctor about taking medication. Your doctor may order a variety of tests to help diagnose gout, including a blood test to determine uric acid levels, a synovial fluid test (a sample of fluid is taken from a joint with a needle), and ultrasound or computed tomography to help see uric acid crystals ... Based on the results, your doctor will be able to determine if you should take any medication.
   • Your doctor may prescribe medications such as xanthine oxidase inhibitors, uricosuric drugs, and other less common medications such as colchicine, which helps with acute gout attacks.
3. 3 Take xanthine oxidase inhibitors. These drugs reduce the production of uric acid, which can reduce the concentration in the blood. Typically, doctors use them as a first step in treating chronic gout. Xanthine oxidase inhibitors include allopurinol (Aloprim, Ziloprim) and febuxostat (Uloric). While these drugs may initially make gout attacks worse, they will eventually help prevent them.
   • Side effects of allopurinol include diarrhea, drowsiness, rashes, and a low heart rate. Drink at least 8 glasses (2 liters) of water per day while taking allopurinol.
   • Side effects of febuxostat include rash, nausea, joint pain, and decreased liver function.
4. 4 Try uricosuric medications. Drugs of this type help the body to excrete more uric acid in the urine. Uricosuric drugs prevent the reabsorption of crystals of uric acid salts back into the blood and thereby lower the concentration of this acid in the blood. Probenecid may be prescribed by your doctor, but it is not recommended for kidney problems. For the first week, take 250 milligrams every 12 hours. Over time, the doctor may increase the dose, but at the same time it should not exceed 2 grams.
   • Side effects of probenecid include rash, abdominal pain, kidney stones, dizziness, and headache. To prevent the formation of kidney stones, drink at least 6-8 glasses (1.5-2 liters) of water per day while taking probenecid.
5. 5 Do not take certain medications. Certain medications should be avoided, including thiazide diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide) and loop diuretics (such as furosemide and Lasix), as they can worsen the disease. It is also necessary to refrain from taking small doses of aspirin and niacin, as they can lead to an increase in the concentration of uric acid.
   • Do not stop taking your medications without first talking to your doctor. Many drugs have analogues.

Part 2 of 2: Changing Your Diet

1. 1 Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Try to eat healthy foods that are high in fiber and lean proteins. Foods high in soluble fiber helps dissolve uric acid crystals. Dietary fiber helps dissolve crystals and remove them from joints and kidneys. You should also avoid foods that contain saturated fats, such as cheese, butter, and margarine. Reduce your sugar intake, including high fructose corn syrup and sugary drinks, as sugar can contribute to gout attacks. Instead, try to include the following foods in your diet:
   • oat flakes;
   • spinach;
   • broccoli;
   • raspberries;
   • whole wheat products;
   • brown rice;
   • black beans;
   • cherries (these berries can help relieve gout attacks: in one study it was shown that eating 10 cherries a day can prevent worsening of gout);
   • low fat dairy products.
2. 2 Avoid foods that can raise uric acid levels. Some natural foods contain purines, which are converted by the body into uric acid. Studies have shown that eating foods rich in purines can trigger a gout attack for several days. The following foods contain high amounts of purines:
   • meat: red meat and various offal (liver, kidneys, "sweet meat" - endocrine glands);
   • seafood: tuna, lobster, shrimp, shellfish, anchovies, herring, sardines, scallops, trout, haddock, mackerel.
3. 3 Watch what you drink and stay hydrated. It has been shown that gout attacks can be alleviated by drinking 6-8 glasses (1.5-2 liters) of water a day. Although this counts for other liquids, it is best to drink mostly water. It is necessary to limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages or completely abandon them, since when processed in the body, they can increase the level of uric acid. If you want to drink anything other than water, choose drinks that are low in sugar, caffeine, and high fructose corn syrup. Sugar increases the risk of gout, and caffeine can dehydrate you.
   • It is not necessary to completely give up coffee, you can drink 2-3 cups a day. Some studies have shown that coffee can lower blood uric acid levels, although this has not been shown to alleviate gout attacks.
4. 4 Enrich your diet with vitamin C. Some studies have found that vitamin C can lower blood uric acid levels, although this has not been shown to alleviate gout attacks. Vitamin C is believed to help the kidneys eliminate uric acid. Talk to your doctor about taking 500 milligrams of vitamin C supplement daily.If you want to get more vitamin C from your diet, try to eat the following foods:
   • fruits: melons, citrus fruits, kiwi, mango, papaya, pineapple, strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, cranberry, watermelon;
   • vegetables: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and cabbage, green and red peppers, spinach, turnip greens, sweet and regular potatoes, tomatoes, pumpkins;
   • cereals fortified with vitamin C.
5. 5 Go in for sports. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. One study showed that exercising for 150 minutes a week reduced uric acid levels. They also reduce the risk of heart disease and help you lose weight. Losing excess weight can also reduce the concentration of uric acid in the blood.
   • The level of uric acid in the blood decreases slightly even as a result of mild physical activity. For example, if you are unable to jog for half an hour, try walking at a brisk pace for at least 15 minutes.

Tips

• Uric acid levels do not always correlate with cases of gout. Some people have high levels but do not get gout, while others have gout with normal uric acid levels.
• Currently, there is no definitive and scientifically proven evidence that various popular home remedies and nutritional supplements, such as harpagophytum (the so-called devil's claw), are harmless and effective for gout.

Warnings

• Talk to your doctor before taking new drugs or changing your diet.