As discussed in the
Emergency Department prior to discharge, you have been diagnosed with
gout. Gout is a disease that causes
inflammation (swelling) of the joints.
Most commonly, it causes inflammation of the big toe (metatarsalgia), or
of the knee. Gout can be extremely
painful.
Some
foods make gout worse. Avoid rich, fatty
foods such as gravy, wild game, anchovies, scallops, and shrimp. Also avoid red meat, pork, poultry,
mushrooms, asparagus, cauliflower and spinach.
It is important that you drink a lot of fluids, but do not drink
alcohol.
If
you have been given a medication to prevent future gout attacks, take it as
directed.
In
the Emergency Department, you may have been prescribed a medication to reduce
the inflammation, such as Indomethacin or Ibuprofen. Take this as directed. You may have also been prescribed Colchicine,
which is usually effective but it can cause nausea.
Another
way to reduce the inflammation is to apply cold to the area (such as placing a
frozen bag of peas on the joint). Place
the icepack (wrapped in a thin towel) on the area for about 10 minutes, and
then allow the skin to return to normal temperature before putting the icepack
on it again. The cold helps to takes
away the swelling in the area.
See
your family doctor if things are not improving in a few days.
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