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Gout: Care Instructions

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Gout in joint at base of big toe, showing uric acid crystals causing swelling and redness

Overview

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in a joint. It causes sudden attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and stiffness, usually in one joint, especially the big toe.

Gout usually comes on without a cause. But it can be brought on by drinking alcohol (especially beer), eating or drinking things made with high-fructose corn syrup, or eating seafood or red meat. Taking certain medicines, such as diuretics, can also trigger an attack of gout.

Taking your medicines as prescribed and following up with your doctor regularly can help you avoid gout attacks in the future.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

  • If the joint is swollen, put ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
  • Prop up the sore limb on a pillow when you ice it or anytime you sit or lie down during the next 3 days. Try to keep it above the level of your heart. This can help reduce swelling.
  • Rest sore joints. Avoid activities that put weight or strain on the joints for a few days. Take short rest breaks from your regular activities during the day.
  • Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
  • Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
    • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
    • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • Eat less seafood and red meat.
  • Avoid foods or drinks that are made with high-fructose corn syrup.
  • Check with your doctor before drinking alcohol.
  • Losing weight, if you are overweight, may help reduce attacks of gout. But do not go on a diet that causes rapid weight loss. Losing a lot of weight in a short amount of time can cause a gout attack.

When should you call for help?

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have a fever.
  • The joint is so painful you cannot use it.
  • You have sudden, unexplained swelling, redness, warmth, or severe pain in one or more joints.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • You have joint pain.
  • Your symptoms get worse or are not improving after 2 or 3 days.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter E531 in the search box to learn more about "Gout: Care Instructions".

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.