Gout Treatment in Panama City, FL

Gout is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis. It is also the most common arthritis in men. It often starts in men over 50, but it can happen at any age. At Bay Arthritis Institute, our gout treatment in Panama City lowers uric acid and stops flares.

Gout often shows up with other health problems. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, extra weight and psoriasis. The good news is that gout is the only form of arthritis that can be cured. The symptoms can go away for good when uric acid stays below the target level.

Common Gout Symptoms

• Sudden pain, swelling, warmth and redness in the big toe
• Pain in the ankle, wrist, knee or hands
• Fever
• Trouble walking because of the pain

A gout attack is very painful. It comes on fast and often lasts 7 to 10 days without care. Over time, gout can damage the joint, much like rheumatoid arthritis does. Attacks happen when there is too much uric acid in the blood. Even so, only about 1 in 4 people with high uric acid get gout. A healthy diet and weight loss are key to stopping attacks.

Diet Changes That Help

• Avoid red meat.
• Avoid alcohol, and beer most of all.
• Avoid shellfish, such as shrimp and lobster.
• Eat more low-fat dairy, such as cottage cheese.
• Eat more cherries.

Gout Treatment Options

• Keeping uric acid levels low
• Medicines that lower uric acid, such as allopurinol and Uloric
• Medicines that calm a flare, such as NSAIDs, prednisone and colchicine
• Diet and exercise
• Control of diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol