How long till gout goes away?

If you’ve ever experienced the excruciating pain of a gout attack, you know that it feels like your foot is being stabbed by thousands of tiny little knives. It’s not fun, to say the least. But fear not! We are here to give you some insight into how long your suffering might last and what steps you can take to alleviate those pesky symptoms.

What is Gout?

First things first, let’s discuss what exactly this ailment is all about. Gout is a type of arthritis caused by an excess buildup of uric acid in the bloodstreams which then results in crystal formation around joints or tissues (ouch!). Symptoms usually manifest as sudden episodes of severe joint pain (re: see aforementioned “tiny knife” analogy). These bouts often occur in one specific area such as your toes, ankle or knee but can also be more widespread throughout your body.

What Causes Gout?

1) Genetics
2) Diet
3) Certain Medical Conditions
4) Medications

So now that we have discussed what gout really means let’s move on to addressing how long until this bad boy departs from our lives forever.

How Long Does It Last?

Unfortunately for sufferers, there isn’t a definitive answer for everyone when it comes to timing because every case differs but generally speaking acute attacks may last up to two weeks while others can persist for several months or even years! That said, with proper treatment using anti-inflammatory drugs such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), steroid injections and lifestyle changes including diet alteration or medication adjustment plus time – most people should experience relief from their symptoms within several days or at minimum up-to 24 hours after initial treatment has commenced.

Factors Affecting Duration

1)Severity: Severity plays a major role in determining the duration time frame whereas mild cases can deposit residuals within a few days, more serious infections require an extended period to fully recover.

2) History: The longer you have had the disease or delayed treatment, the harder it is to find relief pain and even after gout attack quietens down symptoms may reappear at some point in future

3)Coexistent Factors: Chronic medical conditions often affect people suffering from Gout e.g. Hypertension, Kidney Disease maybe extend duration time frame.

Treatment Options

Now that we have discussed how long gout can last for let’s dive into ways patients can alleviate those excruciating symptoms.

Over-the-Counter Medications:

1) NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs): This type of medication includes pills such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen which significantly reduces inflammation and Pain.

2)Corticosteroids: Usually prescribed by doctors during severe attacks – Prednisone suppresses inflammation quickly but unfortunately has undesirable side effects over prolonged periods use

3)Colchicine:(taken within 12 hours onset symptom time max.) A prescription drug reducing swelling and discomfort

Food substitution taking primary actions along with these options helps bring about quick relief i.e.

  • Avoiding high purine foods

  • Drinking lots of water

  • Cutting out Alcohol intake which contributes to Uric Acid buildup

  • Intake Magnesium citrate

Here are some examples of Foods To Avoid:

  • Red Meat
  • Seafood like Sardines and Shellfish
  • Beer /Excessive alcohol

Adopt a Healthy Diet Accordingly consists with Vegetables,Eggs,Fruits,Nuts etc not only does help thwart uric acid built up but also assist in regaining energy levels while minimizing dependency on meds keeping complications low.

In addition to these treatments options there are things sufferers can do at home when experiencing gout flare ups such as:

  • Applying heat or ice (as comfortable) to the affected area
  • Elevating the joint to improve blood flow and relieve pressure
  • Resting the joint reduces risk of aggravation from movement

Conclusion

So, How Long Until Gout Goes Away? While duration relies on how well you treat symptoms & degree severity ranging broadly in recuperation time -keep attending appointments cultivating a culture lifestyle,easy relaxing walks with water intake are good preventive habits also during non acute periods seeks an appointment if experiencing any inflammation indications resurfacing. Take care of yourself!