Do you often find yourself visiting the ER or urgent care for a gout attack? Wondering how you can effectively manage this debilitating disease?
There is a better way. While there is no cure for gout, the disease can be successfully managed by taking a proactive approach to treatment.
What is proactive treatment?
A proactive approach treats the underlying cause of gout: high uric acid levels. This goes beyond simply treating flares and instead focuses on preventing attacks altogether.
Here’s how to get started:
1. Educate yourself. Learning about gout can help clear up any misconceptions. A strong understanding of the disease and how to treat it can help guide conversations with your health care provider.
2. Visit a doctor. A rheumatologist or a primary care provider can help test for gout and prescribe uric acid-lowering medication. This will treat the underlying cause of gout and help prevent future flares.
3. Take medication as prescribed. Following the treatment regimen prescribed by your doctor is an important part of managing gout. Without treatment, the disease can progress and affect other parts of the body.
4. Find community. Gout can feel isolating, so it’s important to find a supportive community that will listen to you and provide encouragement as you manage your disease.
Why is it important?
Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood that form sharp crystals that settle into joints. While addressing the pain of a flare is important, it provides only temporary relief. Taking medication that lowers uric acid levels can keep these crystals from forming and allow you to live flare-free.
Ready to start proactively managing gout? Don’t wait for the next flare-up. Start your journey today by making an appointment with your doctor and reclaiming your quality of life.