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Uric acid crystals

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Overview	Symptoms	Treatment	Prevention

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Acute gouty arthritis

Alternative Names

Gouty arthritis - acute; Gout - acute

Treatment

The goals of treatment are mainly to stop the pain and inflammation associated with the initial attack, and to prevent future attacks.

Colchicine is one of the medications that is effective in reducing the pain, swelling, and inflammation associated with acute gout attacks. The pain often subsides within 12 hours of starting treatment, and is completely relieved in 48 hours.

The medication works by decreasing the inflammation caused by uric acid crystals within the joint. However, it does not decrease the uric acid levels in the bloodstream. Daily use of colchicine or allopurinol helps prevent future attacks.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be very effective in treating the pain and inflammation of an acute gout attack if taken soon after symptoms start.

Corticosteroids can also be very effective. Your doctor may inject the inflamed joint with steroids to relieve the pain.

Codeine or other analgesics may occasionally be prescribed for pain relief. Increased fluid intake prevents the formation of kidney stones.

Sometimes, a diet low in purines is prescribed. Organ meats, beer, wine, and certain types of fish contain high levels of purines.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Adequate treatment of acute attacks allows people to live a normal life. The acute form of the disease may progress to chronic disease. Since uric acid is normally eliminated by the kidneys, chronic gout may lead to formation of uric acid kidney stones.

Possible Complications

• Side effects of medications
• Chronic gouty arthritis
• Kidney stones
• Kidney dysfunction

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms occur that are suggestive of acute gouty arthritis.

Review Date: 8/6/2003
Reviewed By: Megan E. B. Clowse, M.D, M.P.H., Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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