Joseph Devich Jr., DO
Rheumatology
Understanding gout,
its symptoms and recommended treatments
Gout is a common form of sudden-onset, very painful arthritis frequently associated with joint swelling and redness. Gout is typically very sensitive to the touch. The big toe joint is the most common first site of flare, but any joint can be affected.
Gout pain responds rapidly but only temporarily to ice packs. Medications to lower uric acid such as allopurinol and Uloric® (febuxostat) are some of the most commonly used medications, but other medications are available.
Lowering the uric acid helps the bumps from gout—called tophi—dissolve away, but lowering the uric acid itself does not prevent gout flares in the short term. Other medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and colchicine are medications that prevent flares of gout, but they do not lower the uric acid.
If untreated, gout can lead to permanent joint damage, deposits of gout in and around the joints, and other health complications.