Gout: Best Ways to Prevent Attack

Authors

  • Larry Witmer, DO
  • Simone Majetich, DO
  • Amy J. Keenum, DO, PharmD, Editor
  • Ronald Januchowski, DO, FACOFP, Health Literacy Editor

Abstract

Gout is a form of arthritis that causes a sudden episode of swelling and pain in joints. It usually only affects one joint, but some people can have it in more than one joint. Increased levels of uric acid in the blood stream can form sharp needle-like crystals that build up in joints, causing pain and swelling. These crystals can also form kidney stones. Risk factors for gout include obesity, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, consuming too much alcohol on a regular basis, overeating, consuming large amounts of seafood or meat or high fructose corn syrup, and taking medications that affect blood urate levels. You can help prevent gout attacks by changing your diet and reducing your intake of these. Your doctor may treat you with an anti-inflammatory for acute episodes or place you on long term urate-lowering therapy to help prevent attacks.

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Published

2017-11-01

How to Cite

Witmer, DO, Larry, et al. “Gout: Best Ways to Prevent Attack”. Osteopathic Family Physician, vol. 9, no. 6, Nov. 2017, https://ofpjournal.com/index.php/ofp/article/view/527.

Issue

Section

Patient Education Handout(s)
Received 2017-11-03
Accepted 2017-11-03
Published 2017-11-01

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