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During
gout, painful crystals are deposited in certain joints, in particular
in the feet. The crystals are made of uric acid, a chemical that
is increased in persons with gout. Treatment is directed to reduce
pain and where possible, reduce the uric acid in your blood.
In
treatment of gout, we try to provide relief from the acute attack
as quickly as we can, then we try to prevent further attacks or
complications with mediation to reduce uric acid in the blood.
Men
are more often affected with gout than women. Certain foods such
as liver, kidneys, sweet breads and sardines predispose to this
condition.
Important Points in Treatment
Activity:
During the acute attack, you will be made much more comfortable
if you rest. Keep the weight of bed-cloths off any painful joint
by using a cradle which raises the sheets off your body.
Diet:
You may eat moderate amounts of any foods that appeal to you except
liver, sweetbreads, kidneys and sardines. Drink 8-10 glasses of
fluid daily. Do not drink alcoholic beverages.
General
Measures: You may try either warm or cold compresses on painful
joints. Use whichever best decreases your discomfort.
Medication:
Acute attacks are treated with an anti-inflammatory (such as Indocid),
and medication for pain. If your uric acid level is high, your doctor
may prescribe medication to lower the level in your blood. Such
medication must be taken as prescribed.
NOTIFY
THE DOCTOR IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING HAPPENS:
