Gout: symptoms and treatment of the “disease of kings”

Gout: what kind of disease is it, why does it occur?

Gout is a disease that affects large and small joints of the extremities and increases the level of uric acid in the blood. A typical gouty attack is inflammation of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the first toe. As a rule, an attack develops after eating meat and alcohol; it can also be triggered by stress, physical activity, or a bacterial or viral infection.

Other provoking factors include concomitant diseases, taking certain medications, etc.

Why do joints swell with gout?

Gouty swelling near the joint appears as a response of the body to uric acid. Urates injure tissues, as a result of which tendons, cartilage, and ligaments are depleted. The changes that occur provoke swelling of the entire limb.

The cause of the development of pathology can also be factors that negatively affect the human body:

• poor nutrition;
• obesity;
• development of renal failure;
• endocrine disorders;
• presence of bad habits.

The joints of the lower extremities are usually affected by the disease. Most often, tophi appear on the feet in place of the big toe. They make it difficult for the patient to move. But in some cases, the consequences of the accumulation of decay products appear on the arms and hands.

Gout can be hereditary and remain latent for many years until negative influences give impetus to its development.

How does gout manifest? Symptoms

A gout attack is manifested by swelling, redness, and sharp pain in the joint

. Knee, ankle, and hand joints may be involved. At the same time, the level of uric acid in the blood increases: its crystals literally tear the synovial membrane of the joint. The pain of gouty arthritis is so intense that yesterday a completely healthy person, today, completely falls out of life. However, an increase in uric acid levels does not always cause joint problems, so in each case a thorough examination by a specialist is necessary.

Over time, gout attacks become more frequent and intense. Dense painful nodes - tophi - can form, significantly worsening the quality of life. The function of the joint is impaired: it is impossible to form a fist, fully straighten the elbow, etc. When localized on the feet, it is painful to wear closed shoes, which is why even in the cold season a person is forced to literally walk in slippers. In such cases, the patient insists on surgical removal of the tophi, but this is unlikely to help if the problem remains unresolved “from the inside.”

Gout: treatment

You will have to follow a strict diet. During an attack, alcohol, meat, and greens are completely excluded. It is recommended to drink plenty of alkaline water (mineral water or water with lemon). Taking medications under the supervision of a doctor. The most commonly prescribed drugs are from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

, for example, Diclofenac (Voltaren), Ketorolac (Ketorol), etc. Taking Colchicine has a good effect, but this drug is not freely available in the pharmacy chain.

How to relieve acute pain during a gout attack?

In severe, prolonged attacks, systemic glucocorticosteroids

a short course in tablets or droppers, or injected directly into the affected joint. To reduce uric acid levels, it is recommended to take the drug Allopurinol (not during an exacerbation). This drug can be added to therapy only when the activity of inflammation decreases. And the attack lasts, as a rule, 5-7 days. Locally, on the area of ​​the inflamed joint, you can apply ointments or gels from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, Voltaren gel.

Medications

How to relieve swelling around a joint with medications? Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Nimesulide, Indomethacin, relieve swelling and pain.

To get rid of swelling, topical medications should also be used. Warming ointments, for example, based on dimexide, Limiment Vishnevsky, Fullflex, are suitable. Local agents should be used simultaneously with systemic painkillers.

You can't take Aspirin.

Iodine is effective in the fight against gout. It reduces the inflammatory process and, as a result, swelling in the joint area. Baths should be done like this:

1. Add 15 drops of iodine and 2.5 tbsp to 5 liters of warm water (temperature no more than 30 °C). l. soda
2. Keep your feet in the bath for 20 minutes.

Repeat the procedure daily until the gouty swelling disappears.

Traditional methods

The following remedies are effective:

• Tincture from the roots of the wrestler. It not only removes swelling, but also helps remove uric acid salts from the body. To prepare the infusion, add 100 g of roots to 1 liter of vodka. Leave for 3-4 days in a dark but warm place. Rub the prepared tincture on sore joints once a day. Approximate dose – 1 tsp. After rubbing, the joint should be wrapped in a warm cloth.
• Chamomile decoction. 100 g of flowers need to be poured into 10 liters of boiling water and left for 15 minutes. Cool slightly and add 200 g of salt. Do baths for 20-30 minutes.
• Lilac tincture. Fill a half-liter jar with flowers and fill with 60% alcohol. Leave for a month, drink 30 drops 3 times a day. The tincture can be used as a rub.

Diet. What can and cannot be eaten if you have gout?

Diet therapy is the main thing in controlling uric acid levels. It increases when eating foods containing purine bases. This is the meat of young animals, offal (liver, kidneys, tongue), seafood, strong and low-alcohol drinks

, as well as sweet (especially with fructose)
carbonated drinks
.
should exclude
these products , and reduce the consumption of beef, pork, and lamb to a minimum. In addition, during an attack you should give up coffee and strong tea.

Previously, it was believed that it was better not to eat vegetables rich in purine bases for people with gout. However, it is now known: moderate consumption of peas (beans, lentils), spinach, sorrel, mushrooms, cauliflower and tomatoes does not increase the risk of exacerbation. The same can be said about low-fat dairy products - milk, cottage cheese, fermented milk drinks. The approximate composition of a food basket for gout is Diet No. 6. Steaming is recommended. Meat and fish broths will have to be poured down the sink or given to the family to eat.

Not for gout

Seizure prevention

You can reduce the frequency of attacks if you adhere to the following preventive measures:

• The affected limb should not be overloaded. In order for her to rest faster after a hard day, you need to keep her in an elevated state for up to 30 minutes.
• It is necessary to get rid of excess weight, as this is an additional burden on the legs.
• Maintain a balanced diet. Avoid fatty and high-calorie foods.
• To speed up the elimination of uric acid salts from the body, you need to drink at least 2.5 liters of liquid daily. During an attack, the volume of fluid consumed should be increased to 3 liters.
• Use vitamin and mineral complexes.
• Avoid treatment with medications that contain aspirin.

Such measures will reduce the likelihood of attacks, but will not get rid of gout. In treating the disease, you need to take an integrated approach.

Gout is a serious disease that can lead to disability. Swelling can be relieved at home, but you should definitely see a doctor.

Author: Oksana Belokur, doctor, especially for Ortopediya.pro

What to add to your diet for gout?

Vegetable dishes in the form of vegetarian soups (you can add pasta), cereals, lean meats (turkey), and natural honey

. For gout, fruit drinks, compotes, herbal teas, wheat bran decoction, and homemade lemonade with honey are recommended. A sufficient water load (2-2.5 liters per day) must be observed at any stage of the disease. It is good to eat watermelons, because 90% of them are water.

It’s a good idea to have fasting days once or twice a week, but complete fasting is strictly contraindicated.

Medicines to relieve swelling due to gout

Only a doctor can prescribe the correct treatment for a patient based on the results of tests and diagnostic studies. Unauthorized selection of medications can lead to serious complications.

To improve the general condition and relieve discomfort, complex therapy is prescribed, which includes:

• analgesics (Diclofenac, Voltaren, Movalis);
• uricodepressants (Allopurinol, Thiopurinol);
• uricosuric drugs (Fulflex, Flexen, Benemid);
• chondroprotectors (Dona, Artra);
• steroids (Dexamethasone, Sinalar, Cortisol).

These medications are prescribed in the form of tablets for oral administration, ointments for topical use, injections for intramuscular or intravenous administration. But it is important to remember that they can cause allergies or irritation of the gastric mucosa. Therefore, they should be taken with extreme caution.

Prevention of gout. How to avoid exacerbations?

In addition to diet, you need to reconsider your lifestyle

. Move more, be in the fresh air, take a walk, sign up for a swimming pool, start running. In general, don't be lazy! And then you will soon notice how much better you will feel. After all, extra pounds will go away, blood pressure and blood sugar levels will normalize.

, sanatorium-resort treatment gives excellent results

at balneological resorts. They use mineral waters, mud, baths, including radon baths. This, in combination with a proper balanced diet and adequate sleep, will allow the treatment effect to be well consolidated. Suitable sanatoriums in our region are Uchum, Belokurikha, in Russia - Caucasian Mineral Waters.

Considering that gout can also affect the kidneys, you need to regularly (at least twice a year) visit a urologist or nephrologist with mandatory tests and ultrasound examinations. If there is no kidney damage, then you can see a therapist, and ideally a rheumatologist.

Regular monitoring of uric acid levels

A timely diagnosis and correct recommendations from a specialist will help avoid severe exacerbations of gout, the development of irreversible joint deformities, and impaired renal function.

Treatment of gout with folk remedies. Is it worth it?

Traditional medicine, in general, does not contradict the basic principles of traditional therapy. This again is a strict diet, drinking plenty of fluids, and rest.

For treatment - herbal preparations

with lingonberries, nettles, tansy and other herbs, honey and bee products. There are also known recipes for products containing iodine, aspirin, and apple cider vinegar. Is it worth using them, it is better to ask your doctor. But what you shouldn’t do is use folk remedies like vinegar lotions, iodine nets - this can lead to serious skin burns.

Don’t delay going to the clinic: timely treatment under the supervision of a specialist will help you avoid serious health problems. Take care of yourself and your loved ones!

Author: rheumatologist, therapist Galina Danilova

Traditional medicine for relieving swelling at home

Treatment with folk remedies for gout is recommended only at an early stage of the disease. For acute attacks, they are used in conjunction with drug therapy only after the doctor's permission. They are used in the form:

• compresses;
• warm baths;
• tinctures for rubbing.

Traditional medicine requires patience and long-term use. A positive result occurs if they are used regularly. When treating gout, it is equally important to normalize your diet, consume more seafood, vitamins and minerals.

Using compresses

To prepare a compress, medicines are used that can be purchased ready-made or made independently at home. They are used as an ambulance for severe swelling of the leg joint due to gout, bruise, or fracture. Let's consider preparing the most effective lotions:

1. It is very easy to make a compress with Dimexide. To do this, you need to take the prepared solution and mix it in equal proportions with warm water. Next, you should moisten a gauze pad in the resulting solution and apply it to the sore spot. The top of the napkin must be secured with cellophane and wrapped in a warm scarf. After 30 minutes, the compress should be removed.
2. Medical bile. The drug improves blood circulation, relieves pain, swelling and inflammation. The product looks like an emulsion. Ready-made medical bile can be purchased at a pharmacy. A gauze cloth is soaked in the medicine and applied to the joint. After two hours have passed, you can remove the compress and rinse off the particles of the medication with warm water.

Medical bile often causes allergic reactions, which are accompanied by skin irritation. If you feel any discomfort, you should immediately remove the compress and wash off the medicine with water.

Foot baths

Therapeutic baths with the addition of salt and medicinal herbs have been used for centuries for swelling and inflammation. Baths with the addition of chamomile, cinquefoil or string are recommended for use in cases of damage to the legs and feet.

To prepare the simplest bath, you need to take 100 grams of chamomile flowers and salt. Chamomile should be boiled in water for about 10 minutes, then strain and add salt. Mix everything until completely dissolved. Cool the mass to 38 degrees and immerse your feet there. The bath can be removed after 15 minutes.

If you have elevated body temperature and swelling of the legs due to gout, you should not use baths with very hot water. This will further intensify the swelling.

Rubbing for gout

The rubbing method is an important procedure in the treatment of gout. The process involves massaging the affected joint and nearby tissues. Rubbing has a local irritant effect, which helps reduce swelling. The medicine for the procedure can be prepared from the roots of the grapple. You need to take 100 grams of roots and steep them in one liter of vodka for several days. Only one teaspoon of tincture can be applied to the joint per day.

You can simply rub with massage movements using the medical product Dimexide.

Iodine therapy to relieve swelling

Iodine is a unique remedy that can stop the inflammatory process at the beginning of the development of gout. Is a powerful antiseptic. Has the ability to penetrate deep into the affected area. The drug can be applied to a sore joint in the form of:

• iodine network;
• baths with iodine and water;
• rubbing with the addition of aspirin.

Folk remedies for the treatment of pathology using iodine have not been fully studied, but iodine therapy continues to be considered an effective method in the fight against the discomfort that gout causes.