What are the Different Kinds of Acute Gout Treatments?

Acute gout is one type of arthritis that causes a severe and sudden attack of tenderness and extreme joint pain. A buildup of uric acid in the affected joint is the most common cause of this ailment. There are several acute gout treatments available for individuals with this condition and initial treatment will usually involve a prescription pain and inflammation medicine. Individuals may also be given different medications to control the production of uric acids in their body. In addition, some people may be treated by being placed on a special diet for gout.

The overproduction of uric acids is largely seen as one of the main causes of gout. If an individual produces more uric acid than his or her body can adequately eliminate, uric acid crystals can begin to build in the person's joints. This can cause an acute gout attack, leading to intense inflammation, sensitivity, tenderness and excruciating pain in the joint. Different health conditions may also influence the likeliness of a person getting gout. For example, individuals with kidney problems, blood disorders such as leukemia and sickle cell anemia and diabetes may be more susceptible to developing gout.

As swelling and extreme joint pain are the most profound symptoms of gout, pain and inflammation medicines are amongst the foremost acute gout treatments. Fortunately, doctors have several general options for prescribing such medicines. Sometimes, a medicine known as colchicine will be used as treatment. Colchicine is usually effective with reducing pain as well as gout inflammation, however, some people suffer side effects from this medicine, such as ongoing nausea and diarrhea.

For most people, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used as acute gout treatments. A high prescription dosage may be given for an initial acute gout attack and with immediate treatment most acute gout symptoms typically resolve within a day or two. Following an attack, many individuals with gout will continue to take a low NSAID dosage on a daily basis as a prevention measure. It should also be said that many physicians do not recommend aspirin for gout. This is mainly because aspirin may increase the amount of uric acids in a person's body.

Acute gout treatments may also be centered on the production of uric acids. If an individual's gout is caused by the production of too much uric acid, he or she may be given a medicine to reduce the production of uric acid. Gout caused by an inability to properly eliminate uric acids from the body may be treated specifically as well. If a medicine is used to reduce or eliminate uric acid from the body, this will generally diminish the onset of acute gout. Commonly, once a person starts medications to assist with reducing or removing uric acids, he or she will take the medicine long term and possibly for the remainder of his or her life.

Some individuals with gout may benefit from being placed on a special diet. This may be done by eliminating foods that may initiate a gout attack. In general, eliminating a great deal of meats, alcohol and particularly fatty foods may serve as some natural remedies for gout. Increasing daily water intake and eating a healthy amount of carbohydrates may also be helpful for individuals with gout. Furthermore, maintaining a healthy weight may be one of the most natural acute gout treatments.