How Long Does Gout Last?
Gout is an inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the big toe joint. Caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals, its symptoms are characterized by sudden and severe pain – most commonly at the base of the big toe. Episodes of gout are typically severe yet short; lingering discomfort may continue for several days. If left untreated, episodes will continue to occur, eventually leading to chronic gout and permanent joint damage.
While an episode is occurring, there's only one question people ask, "How long does gout last?" While gout can be treated and managed, the pain can be substantial. That's why it's important to spot the signs so that an episode can be treated as effectively and efficiently as possible.
In this post, we're explaining how long gout lasts – alongside the benefits of treatment and consequences of chronic gout.
How long does gout last?
While the risk factors for gout are common, predicting an episode of gout is challenging. Usually, individuals notice the symptoms without warning. Most commonly, symptoms occur as painful, inflamed joints: big toe joint, fingers, elbows, wrists, or knees.
An episode of gout typically lasts around 3 days if treated; if left untreated, it will take up to 14 days to subside.
During the episode, the joint pain is intense. You may notice the joint becomes inflamed and red, restricting movement in the area.
Gout isn't purely an episode or attack; chronic gout occurs when multiple episodes occur in succession. Each episode further degrades the joint, potentially causing permanent damage. Under the skin, painful, white lumps (known as tophi) may develop, where the urate crystals deposit.
Preventing gout episodes
Most cases of gout are treated by medication and dietary and lifestyle changes. Medication usually consists of anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen), steroids, and colchicine. Bolstering the drugs, several lifestyle changes are advised. These include:
Losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight
Reducing alcohol consumption
Drinking at least two liters of water daily
Regular exercise
Quitting smoking
Taking vitamin C supplements
Foods to avoid are those high in purines. When we consume purines, our body breaks them down into uric acid. If levels exceed normal, then there is a risk the uric acid can crystallize in the joints. Reduce foods such as:
Red meats and poultry
Liver and kidney
Full-fat dairy products
White bread
Sugary snacks and drinks
Alcohol
Certain seafood: anchovies, sardines, herring, scallops, mussels, trout, haddock, tuna, and mackerel.
By taking these steps, you reduce the risk and severity of future attacks. Weight loss, in particular, can help relieve the pressure on the joint during an attack.
Managing an episode
When an episode of gout occurs, there are certain steps you can take to reduce the severity. First, you should always seek medical attention immediately; this is the best option for improving your symptoms. In addition to medical attention, you should also:
Rest and elevate your foot
Remember to drink plenty of water
Cool the joint using an ice pack for up to 20 minutes
Keep the joint uncovered during the night
You should take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to soothe the symptoms of a gout episode. Over-the-counter (OTC) NSAIDs include ibuprofen and naproxen. Alongside cooling and elevating the joint, you can alleviate your symptoms substantially.
Continual flare-ups will require medication to lower the uric acid levels in your blood. Common prescriptions include allopurinol (Zyloprim, Lopurin) or febuxostat (Uloric).
Chronic gout consequences
Gout will continue to occur when left untreated as the underlying condition (high uric acid levels) remains unchanged. Worse, attacks may become more common and, as mentioned, begin to cause irreversible joint damage. Tophi form under the skin as white lumps, adding to the inflammatory pain.
Meanwhile, high uric acid levels also increase the risk of kidney stones – another potential complication.
Medication is the recommended course of action for patients experiencing more than three attacks per year, have severe gout, or kidney stones from gout.
Final thoughts
Gout is an inflammatory condition of the joints that occurs in episodes. An episode may last anywhere between 3 days (if treated) and 14 days (if left untreated). Gout typically presents with a sudden pain in a joint (often the big toe), becoming red and inflamed in the following days.
Treatments and lifestyle interventions can reduce the severity and frequency of gout attacks. Reducing alcohol consumption, cutting back on red meat, and eliminating white bread can go a long way to alleviating the symptoms. However, medication is the most effective treatment, either with steroids or medications that reduce uric acid levels.
Please speak to a member of our team if you're struggling with gout. We can create a tailored treatment plan to reduce your symptoms and get you back on your feet.
