Gout, a type of arthritis, occurs when excessive uric acid in the joints forms crystals, resulting in swelling, redness and severe pain. It often affects the big toe, knees, elbow, ankle and other joints in your body.
Starting gout treatment early is crucial to avoid the need for surgery. You can effectively manage it with medicine and adopting healthy lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a good diet and a healthy weight. Of course, we can guide you throughout the treatment.
When do you need surgery?
Most of the time, you won’t need surgery for gout. Medicines and lifestyle changes usually work. But in some cases, if a joint is badly hurt from gout or has small lumps of uric acid crystals called tophi, surgery might be suggested.
Types of gout surgery
There are three types of gout surgeries: tophi removal, joint fusion, and joint replacement.
- Tophi removal involves the surgical removal of tophi, which are small lumps of uric acid crystals that can form under the skin.
- Joint fusion is a procedure in which bones in the joint are fused together to provide stability and reduce pain.
- Joint replacement involves removing the damaged joint. It is replaced with an artificial one.
An expert orthopedic surgeon typically performs all of these surgeries using open or minimally invasive techniques. These techniques can include arthroscopy, which is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a small camera and instruments to access and treat the joint.
If you are considering gout treatment or surgery, it is important to consult with a qualified orthopedic surgeon who can offer you the best gout treatment in Kolkata or the top arthritis treatment in Kolkata.
With proper care and treatment, you can manage your symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.
Tips to manage gout pain
Here’s a list of effective ways to manage your gout pain:
- Stay hydrated and avoid sugary drinks
- Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables to support overall health and reduce inflammation
- Apply ice to the affected joint to reduce pain
- Rest and elevate the affected joint to reduce pressure and discomfort
- Wear comfortable, supportive shoes and avoid high heels or tight shoes
- Use a cane or crutch to take pressure off the affected joint while walking
- Reduce stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises
If you need more information, consult an orthopedic doctor.