Gout Medications

Gout which is also known as podiatry when it affects the big toe is usually characterized by repeated attacks of chronic inflammatory arthritis which is generally a red, tender, hot, swollen joint. Symptoms can develop suddenly and involve only one or occasionally a few joints. The toes or ankle joints are usually the joints affected. It has not been determined exactly what causes gout.

It is caused by raised levels of uric acid in the blood which crystallize and are lodge in the joints, tendons, and encompassing tissues.

The causes for gout can be diet, hereditary susceptibility, or low excretion of urate. The pain oftentimes starts during the nighttime and is generally described as a throbbing, or agonizing pain int the area of the joint that is affected.

The problem may discontinue after a few days. However, it is possible it can reoccur with further flair ups lasting for longer periods of time.

Some people may never develop gout, but for the people who do it can occur every few months or in some cases years.

Test which can be done to determine if a person has developed gout are synovial fluid analysis, blood test for uric acid, X-rays of the area that is affected, synovial biopsy and testing of urine for uric acid.

The treatments for gout may involve the use of prescription gout medications such as naproxen or indomethacin, colchicine, uloric, or Zyloprim.

Such medications as codeine, hydrocodone, or oxycocdone may be prescribed for pain. Another prescription medicine which can aid in the reduction of of swelling, inflammation and pain is colchicine.

There is also a possibility that the doctor may inject corticosteroids into the joint in order to ease the pain. It generally takes about 12 hours for the medication to relieve the pain and 48 hours for complete relief.

The doctor may prescribe allopurinol or probenecid if a person has several flareups within the same year, indications of gout arthritis, or if uric acid kidney stones have developed.

Life style and some diet changes can aid in the prevention of gout flareups. It is best to contact a doctor if a person suspects that they have developed gout and follow any recommendations the doctor makes.