Walking and Gout: How Gentle Exercise Reduces Flare Frequency
Discover how walking and low-impact exercise can reduce gout flare frequency. Learn safe ways to stay active during remission and what to avoid during attacks.
Gout and Joint Damage: How Untreated Hyperuricemia Destroys Your Joints
# Gout and Joint Damage: How Untreated Hyperuricemia (high uric acid levels) Destroys Your Joints Gout is often dismissed as “just a painful big toe”, but left untreated, this disease can progressively destroy the joints it affects. Understanding how gout damages joints empowers you to take this condition seriously. The Joints Under Attack Gout can … Read more
Tophi: When Gout Causes Visible Lumps Under Your Skin
# Tophi: When Gout Causes Visible Lumps Under Your Skin Tophi (singular: tophus) are the visible evidence of long-standing, untreated gout. These chalky deposits of monosodium urate (uric acid crystals) crystals can form under your skin, in your joints, and even in your organs. If you’ve developed tophi, or want to understand how to prevent … Read more
Gout Triggers: 10 Surprising Things That Can Spark a Flare
Most people with gout know that red meat, seafood, and alcohol can trigger flares. But there are many lesser-known triggers that surprise patients, and understanding all of them gives you better control over this condition. What Actually Triggers a Gout Flare? A gout flare occurs when your immune system reacts to monosodium urate (uric acid … Read more
What Is Gout? A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Understanding this Painful Arthritis
# What Is Gout? A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Understanding This Painful Arthritis Medically Reviewed by Robert Stevens, MD If you’ve just been diagnosed with gout or suspect you might have it, you’re not alone. Gout affects approximately 9.2 million people in the United States, and its prevalence has been steadily rising over the past … Read more
Prednisone vs Colchicine for Gout Flares: When to Use Each One
# Prednisone vs Colchicine for Gout Flares: When to Use Each One When nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) aren’t an option for treating your gout flare, two alternatives stand out: colchicine and corticosteroids like prednisone. Both are American College of Rheumatology (ACR)-recommended treatments, but they work differently and suit different patient populations. Understanding when each medication … Read more