Before you can understand treatments for gout, you must first understand what gout is and what it does. Gout occurs because excessive uric acid builds up in the body. This can happen because the body is producing too much uric acid, the kidneys aren?t eliminating enough of it, or an increased consumption of purines (protein) the body metabolizes as uric acid. Deposits of uric acid may develop around the joints as sharp crystals, collect under the skin, or build up as kidney stones in the urinary tract. Gout attacks acutely with extreme pain and inflammation in the feet. It usually begins in the big toe but can spread to the feet, ankles, knees, hands, and wrists. Gout treatments involve several prescriptions that bring down inflammation, treat pain, and lower the amount of uric acid in the body and changes in eating and drinking habitsMedications Used to Treat GoutNSAIDS, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are used to treat inflammation when a gout attack occurs. The dosage is lessened as inflammation subsides. Corticosteroids are only used if other treatments for inflammation have not worked. Because it is steroidal, treatment tapers off over one or two weeks. Analgesics are prescribed for pain. Colchicine may be used to take down inflammatory flare-ups and help prevent another attack of gout. Allopurinol is a preventive that slows the body?s production of uric acid. Probenecid is uricosuric – meaning it helps with elimination of uric acid from the kidneys. ColBenemid is a combination of Colchicine and Probenicid. It is anti-inflammatory and uricosuric. Lifestyle Changes Go on a low purine diet – decrease your intake of protein according to your doctor?s recommendations. Do not drink alcohol – alcohol is known to aggravate gout. Lose weight if you are obese – obesity increases your risk of gout and acute attacks of gout. Get enough fluids – If you don?t drink enough fluids the kidneys won?t flush enough uric acid. Medications – take preventatives, anti-inflammatory drugs and pain medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Gout treatments are highly effective against attacks and pain. The key is to include every aspect of treatment in your everyday life.
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