Four frequently asked questions about gouty arthritis

Gout or gouty arthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis that is caused by hyperuricemia, an excess of uric acid in the blood. Gouty arthritis can lead to symptoms like intense pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. These symptoms can also occur in the form of a gout attack that is commonly experienced in the joint of the big toe.

What are some risk factors of gouty arthritis?

• Family history – People who have a family history of gouty arthritis may have a high risk of being diagnosed with the same condition.
• Certain health conditions – People with conditions like high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc. have an increased risk of developing gouty arthritis.
• Age and gender – Since men are often at a higher risk of developing gout symptoms, many cases of gouty arthritis are reported in men aged between 40 and 50. However, after the age of 60, women too become equally at risk of developing symptoms of the same.
• Diet – An unhealthy diet contributes to increased levels of uric acid in the blood that leads to gouty arthritis.
• Transplant – Hyperuricemia is a common complication that occurs in people who have been recipients of a transplant. Kidney and heart transplant recipients are more at risk of developing gouty arthritis.
• Alcohol – High intake of alcohol can also contribute to the risk of developing gouty arthritis.
• Obesity – Obese people tend to have a higher production of insulin that hinders the elimination of uric acid by kidneys. This leads to an excess of uric acid in the body that further causes gouty arthritis.

What are the different stages of gouty arthritis?

• Asymptomatic hyperuricemia – This is the first stage of gouty arthritis; however, this stage does not have any prominent symptoms. The rise in blood uric acid levels leads to this initial stage where crystals are in the process of being formed in the joint.
• Acute gout or gout attack – In the second stage, a person gets a sudden gout attack causing the person immense pain. There can be multiple triggers of a gout attack that include stress, certain illnesses, alcohol, drugs, and excessive red meat or seafood intake.
• Interval gout or intercritical gout – In this stage, a person experiences a month or a year-long pain-free experience after an attack. Though there might be no pain after the attack, uric acid may still continue to assemble in the bloodstream and spaces around the joints.
• Chronic gout – This is the final stage that occurs when the levels of uric acid remain consistently high for many years. In this stage, the gout attacks are more frequent and the pain is persistent. This may lead to joint damage that can cause loss of mobility.

What are some ways to get immediate relief from gout foot pain?

Treating gout is a long-term process; however, there are some ways in which one can receive quick relief from the pain during a gout attack.

• Taking an anti-inflammatory medicine can bring immediate relief to the pain.
• Another measure one can take when the pain strikes is rest the foot at an elevated angle and apply ice to the affected joint for quick relief.
• One should remain hydrated by drinking plenty of water or other fluids.
• Getting immediate medical help can assist in relieving pain caused by a gout attack.

What foods should gout patients include and avoid in their diet?

• Gout patients or people who have a risk of developing gout must include foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grains, low-fat dairy, eggs, beverages, herbs and spices, and plant-based oils in their diet.
• Certain foods that should be avoided by gout patients include all organ meats, seafood, sugar and sugary beverages, yeasts, and processed food.
• Including and avoiding these foods will help manage the condition in a better way.

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