Non-Surgical:
You reducing the inflammation will also reduce the pain. Non-Surgical treatments include:
- Ice: Apply ice to the affected area. Do not apply directly the skin and only apply for 20 minutes at a time.
- Elevate: Keep affected area above the heart level frequently
- Rest: Move the affected joint as little as possible during an attack
Medications: For a mild attack taking ibuprofen or naproxen can reduce swelling and pain. There are side effects to using any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Consult with your doctor before taking them.
Lifestyle Change: In addition to following a treatment plan you can also change certains things in your daily life to prevent attacks, such as:
- Excersie and monitor your eating habits to maintain a healthy weight.
- Drink plenty of water to flush the uric acid in your system
- Lower your calorie intake, especially fat calories
- Avoid sugary and alcoholic drinks
- Eat complex carbohydrates
- Get protein from low fat dairy products
Surgical:
Those that develop destructive arthritis as it relates to chronic gout may need surgery.
Removal of Tophi: The removal of the painfully inflamed large nodules of uric acid around the fingers and toe joints and tendons.
Joint Fusion: When the gout has caused permanent joint destruction smaller joints may need to be fused together to limit movement and reduce pain chronic pain.
Joint Replacement: Removing the painful joint and replacing it with an artificial joint. The goal of this procedure is to provide pain relief and maintain joint movement.
