Gout Treatment

How is Gout Diagnosed?

Gout is diagnosed by assessing the pattern of joint symptoms, examining the affected area and, when needed, analysing joint fluid for urate crystals. Blood tests can measure uric acid levels, although a normal reading during an attack does not always rule out gout.

Doctors may also use imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound and dual-energy CT scans to identify joint damage or urate crystal deposits and support the diagnosis when needed. Doctors base the diagnosis on the overall clinical picture rather than a single test result.

How is Gout Treated Based on Severity?

Take a look at the treatment approach that doctors generally recommend for gout based on the severity of symptoms:

Types of Gout and Their Treatment

The treatment options for different types of gout are mentioned in the table below:

How is Gout Treated Based on Stages?

Here is an overview of how gout is treated as per its development stages:

Oral Medications for Gout Treatment

Oral medicines commonly used to treat gout are:

• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Medicines such as naproxen or indomethacin can reduce inflammation and pain during an acute gout attack. They are generally started early in the flare when medically appropriate.

• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids can rapidly reduce inflammation when NSAIDs or colchicine are unsuitable or ineffective. They may be given orally or injected into an affected joint depending on the situation.

• Colchicine: Colchicine reduces the inflammatory response to urate crystals. It can be used during an acute attack or in low doses for preventing flares when starting urate-lowering treatment.

• Febuxostat: Febuxostat also lowers uric acid production and may be used when allopurinol is not suitable or does not provide adequate control. The choice depends on the patient's overall health and cardiovascular risk.

• Allopurinol: Allopurinol reduces uric acid production and is one of the most commonly used long-term medicines for gout. It is usually started at a low dose and adjusted according to uric acid levels and individual response.

Note: You should always take systemic treatment for gout on the recommendation of your doctor.

Other Treatments for Gout

Other than oral medications, doctors might recommend the follow treatments for gout:

• Corticosteroid Injections: Corticosteroids may be injected directly into an affected joint to quickly manage localized inflammation.

• Anakinra (Kineret): Although it is not specifically approved for treating gout, some healthcare professionals may consider anakinra for severe gout attacks when standard oral options are unsuitable. It is given as a daily injection.

Ayurvedic and Alternative Treatments for Gout

Ayurvedic approaches may support gout treatment in the following ways:

• Triphala: Triphala is an Ayurvedic herbal blend made from three fruits: bibhitaki, amalaki and haritaki. It is used for its potential anti-inflammatory properties, although more research is needed to confirm its benefits for gout.

• Giloy: Giloy is a commonly used Ayurvedic herb studied for its possible anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Some research suggests it may help with uric acid levels, but more human studies are needed.

• Neem: Ayurveda uses neem to help soothe inflammation, and it may be applied as a paste to areas affected by gout.

• Bitter Gourd: Bitter gourd is recommended in Ayurveda for conditions associated with Vata imbalance, including gout.

• Cherries and Dark Berries: Cherries and dark berries are often included in dietary approaches for gout and may help support healthy uric acid levels.

• Turmeric: Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound known for its potential anti-inflammatory properties and traditionally used to support joint health. It may help ease gout-related inflammation.

• Ginger: Ginger is a common ingredient in Ayurveda and may help reduce inflammation and discomfort from gout. You can easily add it to your meals or drinks as part of a healthy diet.

Note: Talk to your doctor before using herbal remedies, since some can interact with gout medications or affect your kidneys.

Home Care for Managing Gout

Some of the home care tips to manage gout include:

• Rest the affected joint during a painful flare.

• Limit foods high in purines, such as organ meats, certain seafood and processed meats.

• Elevate the limb when comfortable.

• Apply a cold pack for short periods.

• Avoid sugary drinks containing high amounts of fructose.

• Drink adequate fluids unless fluid restriction has been advised.

Latest Treatment for Gout in India

Research is exploring targeted drug-delivery systems using nanoparticles, which could improve the delivery of gout medicines to inflamed joints while reducing unwanted effects elsewhere in the body. These approaches are still being investigated and are not yet established replacements for standard gout treatment.

Overall, the latest approach to gout combines rapid control of acute inflammation, long-term uric acid reduction, lifestyle changes and regular monitoring.

How Long Does Gout Treatment Take?

The treatment duration and recovery period differ with the type of treatment prescribed for gout. Here is a quick overview:

Gout Treatment Side Effects

Some possible side effects of medicines while treating gout include:

• Nausea

• Diarrhoea

• Stomach irritation

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Changes in liver or kidney function

• Skin rash

• Changes in blood counts

• Stomach bleeding and ulcers

• Vomiting

• Mood changes

• High blood sugar and blood pressure

• Increased risk of infection

• Swelling, bruising and itching

• Hepatitis

• Kidney stones

• Constipation

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Gout

These tips can help reduce the risk of complications and manage gout symptoms:

• Try to keep your body weight within a healthy range.

• Make sure you drink enough water each day.

• Stay away from crash diets and do not fast for long periods.

• Try to limit how much alcohol you drink, especially beer and spirits.

• Exercise regularly, but only when your joints do not hurt.

• Pick activities that are gentle on your joints.

• Manage conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney disease.

Factors That Can Worsen Symptoms of Gout

Gout attacks often happen when uric acid levels change or when crystals in the joints cause inflammation. Some common triggers for gout are:

• Having kidney disease.

• Drinking too much alcohol.

• Not drinking enough water.

• Eating foods high in purines.

• Drinking sugary drinks.

• Being overweight or obese.

• Losing weight too quickly.

• Taking certain medicines, such as some diuretics.

• Not keeping uric acid levels under control.

Gout Treatment Cost

Gout treatment costs can range from ₹1,000 to ₹22,000, depending on the treatment type and care needed. Here is an estimate range for gout treatment cost:

Does Health Insurance Cover Gout Treatment in India?

Yes, most health insurance plans in India cover gout treatment, as it is generally included under joint diseases in policy documents. Inpatient costs may also be included, such as hospital room charges, doctor’s fees, medicines, diagnostic tests and other treatment expenses incurred during hospitalisation. Coverage may also extend to specialist consultations, diagnostic tests and prescribed medicines through OPD cover.

But if you already have gout when you buy the policy, it is usually treated as a pre-existing disease, so a waiting period of up to 3 years may apply, depending on your insurer and plan. For better financial protection, you may consider a health insurance cover of at least ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh.