About this profile
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. This leads to sudden, severe pain, swelling, and redness, most commonly in the big toe.
It can occur when the body produces too much uric acid or doesn’t excrete enough.
Watch and listen
Common challenges
- Difficulty walking or standing for long periods.
- Pain during movements or while lifting objects.
- Limited ability to perform physical tasks.
- Need for frequent breaks due to pain.
- Flare-ups can happen unexpectedly.
- Difficulty concentrating due to pain or medication side effects.
How to help
- Prescribe medications to manage pain and reduce uric acid levels.
- Recommend lifestyle changes, such as diet modifications.
- Offer physical therapy to maintain joint mobility.
- Advise on weight management.
- Provide support for managing flare-ups and preventing future attacks.
Notes
Gout flare-ups can last for hours to days and can be triggered by stress, certain foods, or alcohol.
Managing uric acid levels through diet and medication is essential to preventing flare-ups.
Gout awareness day is May 22nd