Uric acid is a chemical formed when the body breaks down a substance called purines. When uric acid levels in the body are too high, it leads to a condition called hyperuricemia, which can cause symptoms such as severe pain, stiffness, and swelling. To manage this, doctors may recommend several gout treatment options.
Contents
Gout Treatment: From Medications to Lifestyle Changes
1. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
One of the gout treatments doctors may recommend to relieve symptoms is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications are available over-the-counter, such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
NSAIDs help reduce pain and swelling that commonly occur during a gout flare-up.
However, people with kidney disease or stomach ulcers should not take NSAIDs. Therefore, always consult a doctor before taking any medication, including NSAIDs.
2. Colchicine
Another medication doctors may prescribe for gout is colchicine. This is a prescription drug that can reduce inflammation and pain when taken within 24 hours of a gout attack.
3. Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are prescription medications that reduce inflammation. Doctors may prescribe oral corticosteroids to treat gout.
Besides oral form, corticosteroids can also be injected directly into the affected joint or into a muscle near the joints.
4. Allopurinol
Allopurinol is a popular medication used to prevent gout or lower high uric acid levels in the blood.
It is also often prescribed to prevent or reduce excessive uric acid caused by cancer treatments or for patients with kidney stones.
Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that works by reducing the amount of uric acid the body produces. It is only available with a doctor’s prescription.
5. Febuxostat
Febuxostat is used to lower high uric acid levels in the blood, especially for individuals who did not experience improvement with allopurinol or cannot use it.
Like allopurinol, febuxostat works by reducing the production of uric acid in the body. This medication is also available only with a doctor’s prescription.
Natural Gout Treatment Through Lifestyle Modifications
In addition to medications, doctors may recommend lifestyle changes to help reduce or relieve gout symptoms, such as:
-
Following a Low-Purine Diet
Doctors may advise patients to follow a diet low in purines, which means consuming fewer foods and drinks that are high in purines. This can help lower uric acid levels in the body.
-
Eating High-Fiber Foods
A high-fiber diet can help reduce uric acid levels. Foods rich in fiber include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
-
Maintaining an Ideal Body Weight
Keeping a healthy weight can help lower uric acid levels in the blood and improve overall health.
Doctors also encourage patients to focus on long-term, sustainable lifestyle changes to manage their weight and avoid obesity, such as being physically active, eating a healthy and balanced diet, and choosing nutrient-dense foods.
-
Drinking More Water
Drinking water regularly helps the kidneys flush out uric acid more effectively, as the kidneys filter around 70% of the body’s uric acid.
In addition, staying hydrated supports kidney health and reduces the risk of kidney stones caused by uric acid.
Therefore, always carry a water bottle and, if needed, set an hourly reminder to drink water.
Those are some of the gout treatments that may be recommended by a doctor. If you’re seeking treatment for gout, you can visit Mandaya Puri Hospital. Our hospital is equipped with modern and advanced medical technology to treat various diseases.
We also have an experienced and expert medical team. You can consult directly with specialists at Mandaya Orthopedic & Movement Center, such as Dr. Jecky Chandra, M.Kes, Sp.OT(K), CIPS, AIFO-K or Dr. Troydimas Panjaitan, Sp.OT(K) for gout treatment.
Use our WhatsApp Chat, Book Appointment feature, or the Care Dokter app (available on Google Play and App Store) to make your visit easier, check your queue number, and get more information.
