How to manage a gout attack
Disease description:
During a gout attack, my joints become red, swollen, and extremely painful—nearly unbearable. Now my mobility is also limited, significantly affecting my quality of life. After a gout attack, what is the proper way to manage it in order to relieve the pain as soon as possible?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Tiesheng
Gout is a metabolic disease caused by hyperuricemia, characterized by acute episodes of arthritis, often starting suddenly at night, with severe pain, commonly affecting the big toe. During a gout attack, patients may experience redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the joints, which can significantly impact quality of life. Below are recommendations for managing gout after an attack:
1. Immediate rest: Once a gout attack occurs, rest immediately and avoid placing any pressure or friction on the affected joint. Applying a cold compress with an ice pack can help reduce inflammation and pain, but avoid direct contact between ice and skin to prevent frostbite.
2. Dietary adjustment: Choose low-purine foods, such as broccoli and tomatoes, and avoid high-purine foods, such as animal offal and seafood. Additionally, smoking and alcohol consumption should be avoided, and increased water intake is recommended to promote uric acid excretion.
3. Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen capsules and indomethacin tablets, can help relieve inflammation and pain. If patients have contraindications or are intolerant to NSAIDs, colchicine may be considered, as it effectively inhibits white blood cell activity and reduces inflammatory responses. Glucocorticoids are also an effective treatment option for acute gout, especially when other medications are ineffective.
4. Lifestyle management: Keep warm, avoid strenuous exercise and overexertion. Maintain a positive mindset and avoid stress, tension, and anxiety.
