Gout is a common form of arthritis that is caused by an excess of uric acid. Uric acid is a normally occurring chemical made by the tissues of the body. In some people, however, the uric acid has a tendency to accumulate near the joints. If the uric acid leaks into the joint, a gout attack or “flare up” will occur. These flare ups are extremely painful and the area affected can feel like it’s on fire and even the weight of a bed sheet can be too much pressure.
Can I Gout Flare’s Be Prevented?
It’s possible for some people who have had a gout attack to never get one again but 60 percent of people who have had one will get another. It’s important to see a arthritis doctor and take your prescribed gout medications, but there are ways to limit future attacks…
- Stay Hydrated and Drink a Lot of Water – Nothing is better then water but skim milk, low fat dairy products, and coffee can help. Make sure to avoid sweetened beverages, especially those with high-fructose corn syrup.
- Limit Drinking Alcohol – One drink for a woman and two for a man per day is a good rule of thumb for a person prone to having gout. Consult with your doctor before drinking alcohol. It’s also know that beer is shown to raise the risk for gout symptoms.
- Keep an Eye On Proteins – Red meat, liver, kidney, tongue, sweetbreads, and shellfish like shrimp and lobster can increase your chances of having a gout flare up.
- Watch Your Weight – The best way to manage gout is to manage your weight. Obese people are more prone to gout and experience it at younger ages. You will also decrease your changes of stroke and heart disease.
- Eat Vegetables – When you stick to a diet that includes a lot of vegetables, you will have a better chance to maintain a healthy weight and keep your uric acid low. Both will help you prevent having another Gout attack.
By trying to prevent future Gout flare ups, you will also stop the erosion and destruction of a joint that results from continued gout attacks.
For persistent pain that is interfering with your daily activities, see a rheumatologist to make the correct diagnosis and begin the proper treatment.
Contact Us (859-331-3100) For More Information to Request an Appointment
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About Tristate Arthritis and Rheumatology
Tristate Arthritis and Rheumatology is first and largest Rheumatology practice in the Northern Kentucky area. Founded by Dr. Arthur Kunath in 1986, our rheumatology practice now consists of six doctors who are board certified in both Internal Medicine and Rheumatology and a Physician Assistant. Patients see one doctor (except in emergencies), thereby assuring continuity of care and an individualized doctor-patient atmosphere giving the physician the ability to establish personalized and detailed relationships. Our doctors have received numerous awards, including being listed as “Top Doctors” in Cincinnati Magazine, receiving the Patient’s Choice Award, the Most Compassionate Doctor Award, and the American College of Rheumatology’s “My Doc Rocks” award.
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