Everything about uric acid — blood tests, reference ranges, kidney function, and what your numbers really mean.
Do Natural Gout Remedies Actually Work? You’ve scrolled through the lists. Cherry supplements, turmeric capsules, apple cider vinegar drinks. Many influencers with a wellness brand claims their product will manage your gout. Meanwhile, your joints are still swollen at 3 AM. I understand the appeal. Prescription medications feel like a last resort, and “natural” sounds … Read more
Why I’m Writing This I keep seeing patients in my practice who waited too long to treat their gout. They’d have occasional flares, the pain would go away, and they’d assume everything was fine. Then they’d come in with tophi the size of marbles, or kidney function that’s quietly dropped to the point of concern. … Read more
Gout and chronic kidney disease (CKD) share a complex, bidirectional (two-way) relationship that significantly impacts patient management. Understanding this connection is crucial for anyone living with either condition. Medically Reviewed by Robert Stevens, MD Research shows that approximately 24% of people with gout eventually progress to stage 3 CKD (moderate damage) or higher. In addition, … Read more
The Great Gout Question: Ice or Heat? When a gout flare strikes, you are probably desperate for anything that will ease the pain and swelling. You have heard that ice can help with injuries. You have also heard that heat feels soothing. So which one should you reach for? This is one of the most … Read more
Decoding Your Lab Report: A Patient Guide You have just had blood drawn, and now you are staring at a lab report filled with numbers, abbreviations, and reference ranges. What does it all mean for your gout? Understanding your blood test results empowers you to participate actively in your healthcare and have more productive conversations … Read more
Taking Control of Your Gout with Home Testing If you have gout, you have probably experienced the frustration of waiting for lab results, rearranging your schedule to visit the doctor office, and wondering if your uric acid levels are actually under control between appointments. What if you could check your levels at home, on your … Read more