About Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis. People who have gout can go for many months or even years without having any symptoms, but then suddenly start to feel pain, swelling and discomfort in the joints. These attacks are often called 'flares'. The joint most often affected is the big toe.
Attacks can happen again unless the gout is treated. If the symptoms are not properly controlled, gout can damage joints, tendons, and other tissues over time. Gout is more common in men, but the risk of gout for women becomes greater after menopause.
Gout symptoms are similar to those of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid and other forms of arthritis. Your doctor will tell you if you are suffering from gout or another ailment.
What are the most common symptoms of gout?
The symptoms of gout almost always come in short attacks, occurring suddenly, often at night and without warning. Gout pain is normally more severe within the first 12 to 24 hours of an attack starting. The most common symptoms of gout include:
- Severe joint pain: This is often in the large joint of the big toe, the feet, ankles, knees, hands and or wrists.
- Lingering discomfort: you may continue to have some joint discomfort after the most severe pain starts to ease. This may last from a few days to a few weeks.
- Longer lasting pain in the joints from recurring gout attacks.
- Inflammation and redness. The affected joint or joints can become swollen, tender and red.
What causes gout?
Most people develop gout because the kidneys do not get rid of enough uric acid, the uric acid in your blood builds up, and crystals develop around your joints. This causes inflammation (swelling and redness) and severe pain of the joints.
Gout can be caused by and is associated with a number of things. Some people are at risk because their parents or grandparents had gout. People who are overweight or regularly drink alcohol may also be at risk of gout. You may also develop gout because you have another medical condition, or because you are taking certain medications.
Eating and drinking some types of food can increase your risk of gout attacks. These include herring, anchovies, sardines, shellfish, red meat, liver, kidneys, alcoholic drinks, and sugary soda drinks.
What is the treatment for gout?
The most commonly prescribed medicine for preventing gout attacks is allopurinol (the medication being evaluated in this study). Allopurinol works by stopping the body from producing too much uric acid. This helps to reduce the frequency and severity of gout attacks.
Colchicine is used by some people to relieve pain during gout attacks, and may also help to reduce swelling and redness. If you have an adverse reaction or side effect with this medication, then alternative options such as naproxen (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication) are available. Unlike allopurinol, any of these types of medications only help to relieve the symptoms and do not 'treat' the cause of the gout, the amount of uric acid in your blood.
Making changes to your diet and being more active can also lower uric acid levels and may reduce the risk of future gout attacks.
This clinical research study is being conducted as part of an ongoing program to evaluate and improve treatments for gout.
to find out if you may qualify to take part in this clinical research study.
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