gout treatment tips
Pay attention to symptoms, see your doctor and get an accurate diagnosis
If you have pain, stiffness or swelling in or around a joint for more than two weeks, it's time to see your doctor. These symptoms can develop suddenly or slowly. Only a doctor can tell if it's arthritis. But "you have arthritis" is not a diagnosis. Ask for a specific diagnosis of the type of arthritis you have. There are more than 100 types, each of which has different treatments. Getting the right gout treatment requires getting the right diagnosis.
Start early
The earlier an accurate diagnosis is made and gout treatment started, the better. Early gout treatment can often mean less joint damage and less pain. Your doctor may recommend a combination of treatments that may include medication, weight management, exercise, use of heat or cold, and methods to protect your joints from further damage. See your doctor for an early diagnosis and immediate gout treatment plan!
Protect your joints
Avoid excess stress on your joints. Use larger or stronger joints to carry things. Assistive devices can make tasks at home and work easier. Staying close to your recommended weight also helps relieve damaging pressure on hips and knees.
Tune in
Listening to your favorite music can lighten your mood and may even help you to forget your pain – at least for a little while. Make a tape of your favorite upbeat tunes and listen to it when you need a lift.
Pick, pour or peel
If you are looking for a tasty healthy treat, reach for an orange – or a tall glass of orange juice. Why? Recent research has shown the importance of vitamin C and other antioxidants in reducing the risk of osteoarthritis and its progression. Another bonus: oranges and other citrus fruits are good sources of folic acid, which can help alleviate the side effects of the arthritis drug methotrexate and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in women who have lupus.
Check out your options
In the past two years, the FDA has approved several drugs for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and gout arthritis. If your current medication isn’t working as well as you’d like – or if it’s causing unacceptable side effects – ask your doctor about these new treatment options.
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