Patient/caregiver was educated on measures to manage symptoms and prevent exacerbation of gouty arthritis as follows:

Control of pain and inflammation:

  1. Observe compliance with intake of pain medications, as prescribed. Individuals could be prescribed a wide range of pain medications, depending on the intensity of pain and severity of symptoms.
  2. In the initial stages of arthritis, individuals could be prescribed over-the-counter pain killers, such as, Tylenol.
  3. As the condition progresses and worsens, individuals could be prescribed stronger and higher dose of anti-inflammatory medications, such as, Advil, naproxen, celecoxib, and meloxicam.
  4. In severe conditions, individuals could be prescribed narcotic pain killers, such as, hydrocodone and oxycodone.
  5. Individuals could as well be considered for steroid injections into the joint for control of inflammation.

Compliance with intake of medications:

  1. Excess of uric acid in the blood can lead to crystallization of uric acid in multiple joints, leading to gouty arthritis.
  2. Medications could be prescribed to reduce the formation of uric acid in the body or to help increase excretion of uric acid from the body.
  3. Lowered uric acid levels in the blood with intake of these medications could contribute to relief from gouty symptoms.
  4. Observe compliance with intake of these medications, if prescribed.

Compliance with recommended fluid intake:

  1. Uric acid is soluble in water and is excreted in the urine. Any compromise in the fluid intake and hydration status of an individual can lead to poorly soluble uric acid, formation of uric acid crystals, thus increasing risk for gout.
  2. Individuals with history of gout, secondary to the poor solubility of uric acid and crystallization, can present with an acute flare-up of gout.
  3. So, maintaining the recommended daily fluid intake is an important step towards preventing development/exacerbation of gout.
  4. Individuals with limitations on fluid intake, such as, individuals with heart failure, renal failure, and dialysis dependency, must comply with the limitations recommended.