Smaller studies have found similar results, but the latest findings suggest that patients with gout pain can safely use steroids if their first line of treatment has been NSAIDs. Essentially, the researchers suggest that patients now have different options when it comes to managing the pain associated with gout.
Dr. Philip Mease, a rheumatologist with the Swedish Medical Center, not involved in the study, commented, “That is the key message – that there are options. Sometimes, ER docs don’t think about giving a tapering dose of prednisone, but it can be very effective at helping with gout, which can be damn painful.”
Gout is an inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid, which forms crystals in small joints – commonly the big toe. Gout can be quite painful when flares occur, sometimes even making walking near impossible.
The study looked at over 400 males in Hong Kong with gout. Nearly half of the participants had hypertension, and nearly three-quarters had recurring gout attacks. Nearly 10 percent were taking a prescription drug known as allopurinol (Zyloprim) as a means to reduce uric acid.
When the men received the treatment (either prednisolone or indomethacin), they were nearing three days of gout pain. Those on indomethacin took 150 milligrams (mg) a day for two days, followed by 75 mg a day for three days. Those on prednisolone took 30 mg a day for five days.
Both treatments offered comparable relief from gout pain. Minor side effects were seen in the NSAIDs group, including nausea, dizziness, abdominal pain, and lethargy, but no significant complications were found.
The researchers noted that similar effects may not be seen in other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or aspirin, so additional research is required to evaluate their effectiveness.
Other gout treatment options
Gout can be serious if it goes untreated. It can lead to the destruction of joint surfaces and cause joint deformity, as well as tophi – the buildup of painful uric acid crystals in the joint. Gout medications can be used to treat attacks and prevent future episodes, including the development of tophi.
Some doctors will prescribe their gout patients nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to help calm the inflammation and pain, but there are also medications designed specifically for gout pain. Corticosteroids are also used to treat gout.
When gout attacks are frequent, doctors may suggest medications that block uric acid production. There are also treatments that will improve uric acid removal from your body, but it is important to review the possible side effects of these medications with your doctor.
There are also lifestyle changes and home remedies you can try to treat symptoms of gout. Here are natural ways to reduce gout:
- Drink coffee: the Mayo Clinic reports that coffee has been shown to help lower uric acid.
- Eat cherries:Studies have shown that cherries are associated with lower uric acid levels.
- Drink baking soda in water:Some studies have shown that baking soda can help to relieve pain associated with gout. It’s important to note that baking soda is high in sodium. Consult your doctor first.
- Stay hydrated:The more water you consume, the more uric acid can leave the body through urination.