Out with Gout

Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis that is very painful. It affects 9 million Americans, yet fewer than one in three patients is getting the treatment they need.

Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body and leads to sudden, intense pain and swollen joints that become red and hot. It usually affects one joint at a time (often the big toe joint). There are times when symptoms get worse, known as flares, and times when there are no symptoms, known as remission. These flare ups are often debilitating for individuals, and repeated bouts of gout can lead to gouty arthritis, a worsening form of arthritis.

There is no cure for gout, but we can help you effectively treat and manage the condition with medication and self-management strategies.

What causes gout

One misconception is that only people who eat poorly or drink alcohol in excess suffer from gout. However, people who eat healthy food and refrain from alcohol can still develop the condition. 

Gout is caused by a condition known as hyperuricemia, where there is too much uric acid in the body. The body makes uric acid when it breaks down purines, which are found in your body and the foods you eat. Certain foods like red meat can increase your chances of gout. Other factors that may increase your chances for gout include:

• Being male
• Being obese
• Having certain health conditions like:
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Insulin resistance
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Diabetes
• Drinking alcohol. The risk of gout is greater as alcohol intake goes up.
• Eating or drinking food and drinks high in fructose.
• Having a diet high in purines, which the body breaks down into uric acid. Purine-rich foods include red meat, organ meat, and some kinds of seafood, such as anchovies, sardines, mussels, scallops, trout, and tuna.

Living with Gout

Although there is not a cure for gout, there are treatments and medications that may help reduce gout's debilitating pain and prevent flare ups. 

1. Talk to your TVHS primary care team - 9 million Americans have gout, yet more than two-thirds of gout patients are embarrassed to talk about it. You can play an active role in controlling your arthritic gout by attending regular appointments with your health care provider and following your recommended treatment plan.
2. Eat a healthy diet - Try avoiding or limiting your intake of foods like red meat, trout and tuna. Instead, try introducing foods in your diet that are low in uric acid levels. Foods like whole grains, plant oils, vegetables, less sweet fruits and vitamin C supplements are low in uric acid and help reduce your chance of a gout attack. If you need help with your diet, talk to your TVHS health care provider or ask for a consult with a TVHS Nutrition expert! 
3. Get physically active - Staying active for 150 minutes a week is recommended by most physicians and experts. Riding a bike, walking, or trying yoga and tai chi help reduce pain and disability related to arthritic gout. Plus, exercise helps you lose weight and reduces your chances for other conditions like heart disease. TVHS offers yoga, tai chi, and other activities through its Whole Health service. Ask your provider for a consult to Whole Health.
4. Lose weight - Obesity increases your chance for gout and causes more pressures on your joints. Losing weight helps improve joint function and slows the progression of arthritic gout. TVHS has several services and programs to guide you through your weight loss journey. See which one may be best for you or consult with your primary care team:
   • Whole Health
   • Nutrition and Food Service
   • MOVE! Weight Loss Program 

If you or someone you know has gout, you don't have to suffer in silence. Get the medical care you've earned and talk to our TVHS health care experts today!