Gout is a condition that can cause pain and discomfort. Gout can be a very bothersome sensation that can cause significant frustration and inconvenience in your daily life. It can cause permanent joint damage, which can lead to more serious problems later on in your life. Gout attacks can be prevented by treating it early. This will reduce the chance of permanent joint damage. You will need to make some lifestyle changes that are worth it considering the potential consequences. This includes avoiding alcohol or completely eliminating alcohol from your diet. This will also mean you need to maintain a healthy weight.
Weight Loss
Your doctor should discuss any weight loss program you are considering. You want to ensure that it is gradual and not a quick fix. Sometimes, weight loss is enough to bring your uric acid levels back in the right range. Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking. Some drugs can increase the amount of uric acid found in your blood making it more difficult to treat gout. This will make it more likely that an attack will occur. You will want to eat smaller meals throughout the day and ensure that they are low in purines. This will help keep your uric acids under control.
Prescribed medications are another way to prevent gout from causing permanent damage to your joints. These medications can be used to either prevent or treat gout attacks from happening. Colchicine is a medication that can be used to prevent attacks. It can also be taken daily, which dramatically reduces the frequency of attacks. You can also reduce the frequency of your attacks by taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) on a daily basis.
Remember
You should remember that no amount of preventative measures can reverse the damage already done. Your doctor should be aware of any medications you are taking or any health conditions that may affect your ability to take preventative drugs. Preventative drugs can also cause liver or kidney disease risk. To prevent your joints from becoming permanently damaged, it is important to get a gout diagnosis early and to start treating gout. External factors should be considered as well, including the climate where you live. Gout can be caused by many things that you don’t know, which your doctor can help to identify.