Gout is a condition that directly attacks the joints. Basically, gout is a form of arthritis. Although most common in men, women are also affected and it has great potential to become extremely painful. Treatment of gout is generally acute, yet physicians may prescribe medications to reduce the chances of future attacks. There are also methods of treatment that the patient can implement at home that will help alleviate the pain that it can induce.

Gout is actually easy to control and the patient can play a significant role in doing so. The main objective for treating this condition is to stop the pain while also stopping it from harming the joints, tendons and other tissues. Gout is particularly fond of the big toe, but it is known to affect other areas of the body.

There are a few obvious symptoms that occur if an individual is developing the condition. If you were to experience any of these symptoms, see a physician immediately. These symptoms include nighttime swelling, tenderness, redness and sharp pain in the big toe. The symptoms may also attack the foot, ankles or knees. The attacks have been known to last a few days, even weeks before subsiding. Ironically, the attacks may not occur again for months or years.

Treatment of gout is administered to control uric acid buildup in the joints. Specifically, the condition develops due to the disposition of urate crystals in the joints. Excess purines; a direct source of urates causes elevated uric acid levels which affects the proper functioning of the kidneys.

Initially, medical healthcare professionals provide medications to excrete the excess uric acid from the blood. One or more medications are often prescribed in large daily doses. It is important that the physician is notified regardless if the pain has subsided. The buildup of uric acid that induced the initial gout attack may still cause joint deterioration.

There are a variety of interventions that can be considered for treatment of gout. If implemented daily, the condition can be successfully managed and decrease the risks for future attacks.

• Take an anti-inflammatory, such as ibuprofen. Do not take aspirin as it would actually raise the uric acid level in the blood.
• In order to dilute uric acid, the patient must consume 2-3 liters of fluid daily.
• Follow specific gout diets: the patient must eat a healthy mix of nutritional food that is not high in purine. Patient must limit foods such as meat, fish and alcohol. This condition is frequent amongst individuals who are overweight and drink an excessive amount of beer.
• Low-fat dairy products and tofu are preferred for gout patients. High protein diets worsen gout conditions.