Gout is an arthritis variant catalyzed by the accretion of urate crystals in the, and this is due to hyperuricemia. As a result of this, you experience sudden and severe pain in affected joints. In most cases, it’s the joint at the bottom of the big toe that gets primarily affected. That said, this condition can also affect other joints like elbows, fingers, wrists, and knees. Besides, it can last from 3 to 14 days depending on whether you get treatment or not. The focus of this article is to elucidate on the duration-based aspect of a gout attack.
Gout Attack – The Stretch And Frequency
Depending on the availability of treatment, a gout attack episode stretches between 3 to 14 days. Also, if the condition is not treated, the frequency of new episodes increases. Furthermore, this can also lead to the worsening of symptoms, especially the pain, and this can cause joint damage.
Gout Symptoms
The main symptom of gout is severe joint pain along with inflammation and redness. Once the initial pain passes, there will be lingering discomfort. Due to these symptoms, the joint movement will be limited.
Apart from the aforementioned symptoms, an increase in the frequency of gout attacks can lead to permanent joint damage. Also, in severe cases, tiny, white, and painful lumps develop under the skin; this is where urate crystals are formed.
Treatment For Gout
Generally, goutis treated using steroids or colchicine and anti-inflammatory medications. Also, some lifestyle choices can help with reducing the duration and severity of an episode of gout, and they are listed below.
- Maintaining healthy weight
- Drinking a minimum of 2 litres of water a day
- Avoid consuming alcoholic drinks, especially beer
- Stop or quit smoking
- Regular exercise without much pressure on the joints
- Take vitamin C supplements
Managing Gout Symptoms
In most cases, anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen are taken when you experience gout flare-ups. Usually, the effect of the medication starts to kick in three days and reduces the duration of the episode. You can also couple this with the following home-based remedies:
- Keep the affected foot elevated and rest
- Apply an ice pack to the swollen joint for up to 20 minutes
- Drink plenty of water
- At night avoid bedclothes to come in contact with the affected joint as it may irritate and increase your discomfort
If these home-based remedies did not subside the gout symptoms, then you must consult with your doctor.
