GOUT - A practical guide to treatments, services and lifestyle choices
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TAKING CONTROL OF YOUR GOUT A practical guide to treatments, services and lifestyle choices
How can this
booklet help you?
This booklet is designed for people
who have gout.
It will help you understand your The information inside is based
condition so that you can better on the latest research and
manage your symptoms and recommendations, and has been
continue to lead an active and reviewed by Australian experts in
healthy life. This booklet offers the field of arthritis to make sure it is
information and practical advice to current and relevant to your needs.
help you:
• understand what gout is and what So go ahead —
it means for you take control of your gout!
• understand how medicines can
help treat gout flares and prevent
future flares
• work with your healthcare team to
© Copyright Arthritis Australia 2014.
manage the disease in the short
Reviewed October 2019.
and long term
• make healthy choices for your Supported by: educational grant from:
general health and wellbeing Menarini Australia Pty Ltd
ABN 116 935 758
• find support and additional
Level 8, 67 Albert Avenue,
information to cope with the impact
Chatswood NSW 2067
of gout.
2 Taking control of your Gout
CONTENTS
UNDERSTANDING GOUT 4
TREATING GOUT 10
DIET AND LIFESTYLE 16
WHO CAN HELP? 21
WORKING WITH YOUR GP 22
SEEING A RHEUMATOLOGIST 23
OTHER HEALTH PROFESSIONALS 24
SEEKING SUPPORT 26
GLOSSARY OF TERMS 28
USEFUL RESOURCES 29
MEDICAL AND CONSUMER Prof Susanna Proudman,
CONSULTANTS Rheumatologist and Medical
Director, Arthritis Australia
Wendy Favorito,
Arthritis Australia Consumer Assoc Prof Philip Robinson
Director and Board Member Rheumatologist
Assoc Prof Neil McGill, Assoc Prof Peter Youssef,
Rheumatologist Rheumatologist and Chair of
Arthritis Australia Scientific Advisory
Assoc Prof Julian McNeil Committee
Rheumatologist and Chair of
Australian Rheumatology Association
Therapeutics Committee
Taking control of your Gout 3
Understanding gout
MYTH Gout was thought of as the
‘disease of kings’, the result of overeating
What is gout? and drinking too much alcohol. In fact,
Gout is a painful form of arthritis gout can affect anyone regardless of
caused by crystals that form in and what you eat or drink.
around the joints. The crystals result
from high levels of urate in the body. If urate levels remain high, small,
In gout, the body does not flush out needle-like urate crystals start
the crystals fast enough. forming in and around the joints (See
figure 1 on page 5). These crystals
What is urate? form slowly, over months or even
Urate is found in all people, in years, usually without any symptoms.
small amounts in our blood. Our A gout flare occurs when the body’s
bodies make urate every day by immune system flares the crystals.
breaking down natural substances The crystals still remain in the joint(s)
called purines. Purines are found after the gout flare settles.
in our bodies’ cells, as well as
some of the foods we eat.
What are the symptoms
Our kidneys usually remove any of gout?
excess urate from our blood into our Generally, the first symptom of
urine. However, people with gout gout is severe pain from a gout
have higher-than-normal amounts of flare. Urate levels can be high for
urate in their bodies. This can be a months or even years, without
result of: any symptoms, before a gout flare
• our bodies producing too much occurs. A flare of gout usually
urate and/or comes on very quickly, over just a
• the kidneys being unable to get few hours, and often overnight. The
rid of it quickly enough (this is the affected joint(s) becomes inflamed,
main reason for high urate levels in causing intense pain, redness,
more than nine out of ten people heat and swelling. Often the joint
with gout). is extremely sore to touch – even
4 Taking control of your Gout
Understanding gout
just the light pressure of the bed What causes gout?
sheets can be excruciating. It can be
Gout occurs in people with higher-
extremely painful to walk or move
than-normal levels of urate in their
the joint. Without treatment, a gout
body. Some people with gout may
flare usually lasts about one week.
produce too much urate.
Gout commonly affects the big toe,
Most of the time it’s caused by the
although other joints can be affected,
kidneys being unable to get rid of
including the ankles, knees, hands,
excess urate. Some of the known risk
wrists and elbows.
factors for having high urate levels
Urate crystals can also collect include:
outside of the joints. They form small,
• Genetic factors: High urate levels
solid, white, painless lumps under
can run in families and is one of the
the skin called tophi (See figures 2
most common causes of gout
and 3 on page 6 and 7). The most
common places for tophi to form
are on the tops of the toes, back of
the heels, ears, backs of the fingers
and hands, backs of the knees and
around the elbows.
Bone
Capsule FIGURE 1
(ligament)
Cross-section
Synovium of joint with
urate crystals
Cartilage
Urate crystals
Cross-section of a
joint showing urate
crystals deposited
in the cartilage
Taking control of your Gout 5
Understanding gout
• Being overweight or obese • Drinking too much alcohol may
• Having high cholesterol, high increase urate production and
blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes or reduce how much is passed out in
glucose intolerance urine. Gout flares seem to be more
common in beer and spirits drinkers
• Having kidney disease
than in people who drink wine.
• Taking certain medications, such Beer and spirits are now thought
as diuretics (‘water tablets’), can to increase the risk of incidence of
affect the kidneys’ ability to get rid gout, whilst wine does not.
of urate.
• Consuming large amounts of
fructose, a type of sugar, can
You can have high urate levels increase urate levels in the blood.
without having gout flares. However, It is found in high levels in soft
several factors seem to increase the drinks sweetened with corn syrup
risk of gout flares including: processed foods and fruit juices.
FIGURE 2
Gout affecting
the big toe
Gout most
commonly affects
the big toe. The
joint becomes red,
hot, swollen and
extremely painful.
Photography used with kind permission of Elsevier. © Elsevier 2011. Taken from Rheumatology, fifth edition.
Edited by Marc C Hochberg, Alan J Silman, Josef S Smolen, Michael E Weinblatt and Michael H Weisman. Graphics used with
kind permission of Versus Arthritis UK.
6 Taking control of your Gout
Understanding gout
• Consuming large amounts of Who is affected by gout?
fructose, a type of sugar, can
increase urate levels in the blood. Anyone can get gout. However, gout
It is found in high levels in soft in women before menopause is rare
drinks sweetened with corn syrup and your doctor may wish to further
processed foods and fruit juices. investigate other causes for your
symptoms.
• Dehydration (not drinking
enough water) Can gout cause long-
• Fever (high temperature) term problems?
• ‘Crash diets’ or fasting Once a gout flare settles, your joints
• Having an operation may feel normal again. However,
• Injury or trauma to the joint. the urate crystals still remain in your
joint(s).
FIGURE 3
Tophi caused by
urate collecting
under the skin
Urate may collect
under the skin,
forming small
white pimples
(tophi), but these
aren’t usually
painful
Photography used with kind permission of Elsevier. © Elsevier 2011. Taken from Rheumatology, fifth edition. Edited by Marc C Hochberg, Alan J Silman, Josef
S Smolen, Michael E Weinblatt and Michael H Weisman.
Graphics used with kind permission of Versus Arthritis UK.
Taking control of your Gout 7
Understanding gout
Another flare may not happen for How will my doctor
months or even years. The first few diagnose gout?
flares of gout may not cause any
permanent damage to the joint(s). Many people with gout do not
However if gout is not managed well receive the right treatment because
and urate levels remain higher-than- they have not been diagnosed
normal: properly in the first place.
• The time between flares may get
shorter, the flares may become The only way to diagnose gout with
more severe and more joints certainty is by your doctor looking
may be affected at samples of your joint fluid under
• Tophi (solid lumps of urate a microscope. A needle is used to
crystals) can form, especially on draw a small amount of fluid from
the toes, ears, fingers, hands, one of your affected joints. This
forearms, knees, and elbows fluid is then examined under a
(Refer figures 2 and 3 on pages microscope to see whether urate
6 and 7) crystals are present. If the crystals
are present, your doctor can confirm
• Permanent damage can occur
that you have gout. If there are no
to the cartilage and bone due to
crystals in your joint fluid, your doctor
the formation of tophi inside the
will consider other causes for your
joint. This can lead to constant
symptoms, such as an infection in
joint pain and inflammation,
the joint.
similar to osteoarthritis
• Increased risk of kidney stones
and other health conditions. A blood test can measure the
amount of urate in your blood. If
urate levels are higher than normal,
The good news is, that this can help support a diagnosis
although gout is very painful, of gout. However blood tests can
it is extremely treatable for sometimes show normal urate
most people. Early diagnosis levels, even during a flare. Blood
and the right treatment are tests are most useful for working
crucial in preventing long-term out if your symptoms are due to
complications from gout. other conditions, or to monitor your
urate levels once you have started
treatment for gout.
8 Taking control of your Gout
Understanding gout
Your doctor may suggest an
x-ray, however, x-rays are often
normal in the early stages of
Top tip: Be
gout so are not very useful in certain it’s gout
diagnosing gout. They may show
signs of joint damage if your gout
has not been well managed.
Taking control of your Gout 9
Treating gout
There are two main parts to • Corticosteroid injections or
treating gout: tablets: This type of medicine is
also very effective in reducing
1. Treatment of the gout flare gout pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroids can be given
2. Treatment to lower urate levels
as a tablet or as an injection
and prevent future gout flares.
(needle) into a joint or muscle.
Corticosteroids are usually given
only for a few days as a treatment
Treating a gout flare for gout and so do not normally
There are several medicines that cause any of the serious side
can help reduce the pain and effects that can occur with long-
Inflammation of a gout flare: term use of these medicines
• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory • Colchicine: This medicine helps
Drugs (NSAIDs): These medicines to reduce pain and swelling
reduce pain and inflammation in during gout flares, particularly if
the joints. Some NSAIDs can be NSAIDs cannot be used for safety
bought over-the-counter while reasons. Side effects, such as
others are only available with a nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea,
prescription. Like all medicines, are common so your doctor will
NSAIDs can cause side effects so it usually recommend low dosages
is important to get advice from your of this medicine. This typically
doctor before taking them. Your involves 1mg (milligram) initially,
doctor will recommend the lowest 0.5mg one hour later and then no
dose for the shortest period of time further colchicine for 24 hours.
to reduce your risk of developing Seek advice from your doctor if you
side effects experience any side effects, as he/
she may alter the dose or prescribe
a different medicine.
10 Taking control of your GoutTreating gout
Treating a gout flare as soon as you bed cradle to keep the bed sheets
first notice signs of an flare can help off your foot when sleeping.
reduce the length and severity of the
flare. Work with your doctor to find
the right treatment for you and have Treatments to lower urate
a supply readily available so you can levels and prevent flares
start treatment as early as possible if
There are several medicines that
an flare occurs.
lower urate levels in the blood to
Applying ice or cold packs to the prevent future gout flares. Your
painful joint for ten to fifteen minutes doctor may suggest taking these
at a time, may also help reduce pain.
medicines if you are having frequent
During a gout flare, you may need
gout flares, your blood tests show
to protect the affected joint. For
high levels of urate, or you develop
example, if your big toe is affected
tophi, kidney stones or signs of
you may need to limit the amount of
permanent joint damage.
walking and standing you do, avoid
certain types of shoes, and create a
Taking control of your Gout 11Treating gout
These medicines need to be taken When first taking these medicines,
every day, even if you are not having your doctor will monitor your urate
a gout flares. They can be very levels to work out the right dose for
effective in lowering your urate level you. It may take several months of
and controlling gout, if: You continue gradually increasing the dose to find
taking the medicine. the right amount. Taking sudden, high
Your doctor may recommend you take doses of these medicines can actually
the medicine forever cause a gout flare. Your doctor will
try bringing your urate levels down
• You do not miss doses
slowly, by starting with a low dose
• You take the full, correct dose. of these medicines and gradually
Each of these types of medicines increasing the dose, as this method is
work in slightly different ways and much less likely to trigger an flare and
can produce varying side effects. can reduce the risk of side effects.
Examples of these medicines include: Your doctor may also suggest taking
other medicines, such as a very low
dose of colchicine, to protect against
• Allopurinol, which decreases the
a gout flare during the first few
body’s production of urate
months of starting these medicines.
• Febuxostat, which also decreases Continue taking these medicines even
the production of urate during a gout flare.
• Probenicid, which increases the
kidneys’ ability to remove urate into
the urine
• Other medicines may also be
Top tip: Ask your
available through specialist doctors doctor about
if your urate levels are not controlled medicines to lower
with the medicines above.
your urate levels
for long- term gout
management
12 Taking control of your GoutTreating gout Know your target urate level The goal of treatments for gout is to lower urate levels to a level that prevents gout flares and other long-term problems. Your urate levels can be checked with a blood test. For most people with gout, the target urate level (serum urate) level you are aiming to achieve is Less than 0.36 millimoles per litre (
14 Taking control of your Gout
Treating gout
Call the National Arthritis Infoline You may feel concerned that your
on T: 1800 011 041 for copies or visit doctor or other members of your
www.rheumatology.org.au or healthcare team will disapprove
www.arthritisaustralia.com.au of complementary therapies.
However, it is very important to keep
your healthcare team informed,
Can natural or alternative even if they do not approve. Your
therapies help? healthcare team, particularly your
doctor and pharmacist, can’t give
There are many promises made for you the best professional advice
non-medical ‘cures’ or treatments without knowing all the treatments
to ease gout – but there’s very little you are using. This includes vitamin
proof that any of these work and supplements, herbal medicines and
further research is needed. For other therapies.
example, there is very little evidence
that supplements such as celery
seed or garlic are helpful in reducing See Arthritis Australia’s
the symptoms of gout. Complementary therapies
information sheet for more about the
safe use of these types of treatments
Because herbal, homeopathic, at www.arthritisaustralia.com.au
ayurvedic or Chinese medicines may
affect the treatments prescribed
by your doctor, please talk to your
GP and specialist about other
treatments you are thinking about
using.
Taking control of your Gout 15Diet and lifestyle
There are many myths and claims
about diets and other lifestyle
changes to prevent gout. Research
has shown certain factors are more
common in people with gout. For
example, people with gout may tend
to eat similar types of foods or drinks.
However it hasn’t been proven that
any of these factors actually cause
someone to develop gout. Although
there is little scientific proof about
the usefulness of many of these
lifestyle changes to prevent gout,
there can be definite benefits for
your general health and wellbeing.
Purine-rich diet
Several studies have shown diet may
be a contributor to the onset of gout,
especially purine-rich foods.
Some of the purine-rich foods
commonly linked to gout flares
include:
• meat – particularly red meat and
offal, such as liver, kidneys and
heart
• seafood – particularly shellfish,
scallops, mussels, herring,
mackerel, sardines and anchovies
• foods containing yeast – such as
Vegemite™ and beer.
16 Taking control of your GoutDiet and lifestyle
These foods are often reported For example, a number of vegetables
to trigger gout flares as purines (asparagus, mushrooms, cauliflower
are broken down into urate by our and spinach) are rich in purines but
bodies. However, there is very little do not appear to trigger gout flares.
good quality, scientific evidence to Dairy foods (which can contain
show that eating these particular purines) actually appear to lower our
foods will cause gout. Additionally, risk of gout.
there is little proof that avoiding
these foods can reduce gout flares.
Completely cutting purine-rich foods
In fact, research shows that not all
from your diet may cause you to
foods rich in purine are linked to
miss out on important nutrients and
gout.
vitamins.
Taking control of your Gout 17Diet and lifestyle For most people with gout, a healthy provide general health benefits and balanced diet is the best way to should not be completely avoided manage gout, alongside medicines without advice from your doctor or to reduce urate levels. dietitian. If you notice certain foods trigger flares of gout, try eating less of those particular foods. Most people taking medicines to reduce urate levels find they can still eat purine-rich foods without flares of gout by being careful with the amount they eat. Fructose Fructose is a sugar that is found naturally in fruits and vegetables. High fructose corn syrup - a mixture of glucose and fructose - is often used as a sweetener in food products such as bread, cereal and soft drinks. An American study found that men who drank five to six servings of fructose-sweetened soft drinks per week were more likely to have gout. However, there is no research showing that fructose actually causes gout or that other fructose-rich foods can be linked to gout. Eating less foods artificially sweetened with high fructose corn syrup will be beneficial for your overall health. Fruit and vegetables 18 Taking control of your Gout
Diet and lifestyle
Weight loss Alcohol
An obese person is four times more Drinking large amounts of alcohol
likely to develop gout than someone may increase your risk of a gout
with a healthy body weight. If you are flare. Alcohol reduces the ability of
overweight, gradual weight loss can the kidneys to remove urate from the
help lower urate levels and reduce blood. Some types of alcohol, such
the risk of gout flares. However, as beer, are rich in purines, which
it is important to avoid fasting or can also lead to increased urate
‘crash’ dieting, where you go without levels. However, many people with
adequate food for long periods and gout can avoid gout flares without
lose weight rapidly. completely cutting out alcohol. Try
reducing the amount of alcohol
you drink and avoid binge drinking
This type of dieting can actually
(drinking a lot of alcohol at one
increase uratelevels and trigger
time). Gout flares are more common
a gout flare. A combination of
in beer and spirits drinkers than in
balanced healthy eating and
people who drink wine.
regular physical activity is the best
way to lose weight. The Australian However there is no scientific proof
Government provides advice about that only these types of alcoholic
the amount and kinds of foods drinks lead to gout flares.
that we need to eat for health Talk to your doctor for advice
and wellbeing including about your alcohol intake or see
Australian Dietary Guidelines at www.health.gov.au (Health Topic:
www.eatforhealth.gov.au. For help Alcohol) for Australian Government
with weight loss, you can ask your Guidelines on recommended alcohol
GP to refer you to an Accredited intake.
Practicing Dietitian or find one
directly via the Dietitians Association
of Australia - call 1800 812 942 or
visit www.daa.asn.au
Taking control of your Gout 19Diet and lifestyle
Other healthy lifestyle choices
• Drink enough water: Dehydration
Top tip: A healthy
(not drinking enough water) diet and lifestyle
may be a risk factor for gout can help you
although this is not well proven
in research. Drinking 1 – 1.5 litres
manage your gout
of fluids a day is recommended
for general health benefits. If you
are taking diuretics (also known
as ‘water pills’ or tablets which
help the body get rid of water) or
have heart or kidney problems,
follow your doctor’s advice about
how much water you should be
drinking.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C appears
to reduce the risk of developing
gout although it does not seem
to reduce urate levels in people
already with gout. Make sure you
eat a healthy balanced diet with
lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Stay active and try to be physically
active for at least 30 minutes a
day, most days of the week.
• Quit smoking. For more
information and advice on quitting
smoking, contact the Quitline on
13 78 48, or visit the Department of
Health www.health.gov.au
(Health Topics: Smoking
20 Taking control of your GoutWho can help?
The good news is that gout can be Understand how your treatments
effectively managed - and a team will help and how to get the most
approach is the best way to combat out of them. Your healthcare team
it. This involves you and your can address your concerns and
healthcare professionals together provide practical advice. Contact
with support from family, friends and your State/Territory Arthritis Office
community organisations. on 1800 011 041. They can provide
information and introduce you to
support groups, exercise programs
How can you help?
and other arthritis management
Remember, you are the most services. See Arthritis Australia’s
important member of your range of information sheets at
healthcare team. By understanding www.arthritisaustralia.com.au
your condition and how to stay on
top of it, you can carry on living a
normal life.
Work closely with your healthcare
team to develop a management
plan for your gout. This will include
medicines to treat a gout flare and
possibly medicines to lower urate
levels. This will help you be actively
involved in your care and decision-
making about treatments. With the
right treatment, gout doesn’t have to
get in the way of working, travelling,
relationships, hobbies and leisure
activities.
Taking control of your Gout 21Working with
your GP
How can my GP help? When should I see my GP?
Your GP is an important partner in • You should visit your GP when you
managing your gout. They can also have your first gout flare. Your GP
help you to access other specialists, can prescribe the right medicines
health professionals and services. to treat the initial gout attack and
Your GP will most likely make the advise about medicines that lower
initial diagnosis of gout and may urate levels to prevent future flares.
refer you to a rheumatologist • Your GP should also regularly
(arthritis specialist) if required. monitor your urate levels to make
Once your gout is fully assessed, sure they are staying below the
your GP or specialist may prepare target levels described on page 13.
a care plan to manage the services This may take several visits when
and treatments you require. They you are first taking medicines to
will prescribe medicines and other lower your urate levels and then
lifestyle changes to improve your may require a blood test every six
symptoms and will also see you months.
regularly to monitor your urate levels • Visit your GP immediately if
and check your treatment is still you notice your gout flares are
keeping your levels to the target becoming more severe, more
level. frequent or affecting more joints.
Your GP may employ a practice
nurse to coordinate your care and
access to services.
How do I find a GP? Top tip: Work with
If you don’t have a regular GP, find
one who can support you. Speak to
your doctor to develop
your local practice or medical centre. a management
plan for your gout
22 Taking control of your GoutSeeing a
rheumatologist
How can a rheumatologist help? How do I find a rheumatologist?
Rheumatologists are doctors who • Your GP may recommend a
specialise in problems of the joints rheumatologist
such as gout. Your GP may refer you • You will need a referral from your
to a rheumatologist if: GP to see a rheumatologist
• it is unclear whether you have gout - they will then stay in touch to
or if your symptoms are caused by coordinate your care
another condition • You can also contact the
• your gout flares are not prevented Australian Rheumatology
with medicines to lower your Association on (02) 9252 2356 or
urate levels or are becoming more visit www.rheumatology.org.au to
severe find a rheumatologist (but you will
• you require an injection into your still need a referral from your GP).
joint
When should I see my
• you and your GP wish to seek
rheumatologist?
advice about newer treatments.
• Your rheumatologist may initially
• While your GP may have
want to see you every few weeks
prescribed some medicines to
to work out how well your urate
treat and prevent gout flares,
levels are responding to treatment
the rheumatologist might also
recommend other medications to • Once the treatment is working
control your symptoms. well to control your gout, you
may only need to return to the
rheumatologist if your gout flares or
other symptoms start to worsen.
Taking control of your Gout 23Other health
professionals
Your GP or rheumatologist may also inserts or advice on footwear to
refer you to other therapists for reduce pain in your toes and/or feet.
further advice. See the section on Seeking support
on page 26 for information on health
How can other health professionals who can help you to
professionals help? cope with the emotions you may be
A dietitian can give you tailored feeling.
advice about weight loss, if you are A pharmacist can give you
overweight, and provide advice information about your medicines,
about a healthy, balanced diet to side effects and interactions, as
improve your general wellbeing. well as helping you to manage your
A physiotherapist (physio) can medicines (eg. checking dosage,
show you exercises to do at home managing repeats).
to strengthen and stretch the
muscles in your joints and improve How do I find a health
your function. They will also show professional?
you pain relief techniques to use • Your GP or rheumatologist can
at home, including the use of heat provide a referral, or you can
packs and walking sticks, to keep contact a private therapist directly
your joints as flexible and pain-free (see Useful resources on page 29).
as possible.
• If your GP refers you to a health
An exercise physiologist can give professional as part of a care
you advice about exercise, including plan, you may be able to have
how to get started safely and the five sessions per year funded by
best type of exercise for your health Medicare. Ask your GP for more
and ability. If you need to lose information.
weight, they can also design an
• Most health professionals are
exercise program to work alongside
available in the public health
a healthy diet.
system (such as at a community
A podiatrist can help take care of health centre or public hospital).
your feet, perhaps by providing shoe There is often a waiting list and you
24 Taking control of your GoutOther health professionals
will usually need a referral from When should I see a
your GP. Their services are usually health professional?
free or low cost.
• You may be referred to one or
more therapists soon after your
diagnosis of gout by your GP or
rheumatologist.
• Ask your GP or rheumatologist
about seeing a health professional
if you notice your physical
condition or abilities change.
Taking control of your Gout 25Seeking support
Why me? coping, or may prescribe medicines
if you are especially worried or
It’s perfectly normal to wonder why depressed. They may also refer you
you have developed gout and to to a counsellor or psychologist, who
feel angry, worried, frightened or can talk to you about your worries,
confused about it. By taking control feelings and moods, then suggest
of your gout and working with your practical ways to work through them.
healthcare team, you can approach If you want to contact a psychologist
the disease with a positive attitude. directly, call the Australian
However, sometimes the condition Psychological Society on 1800 333
can get you down, especially if 497 or visit www.psychology.org.au
repeated gout flares are affecting beyondblue provides information
your everyday life. It may also feel as and advice about depression,
though people around you, even anxiety, available treatments
close friends or family, don’t and where to get help. Visit
understand what you’re going www.beyondblue.org.au
through. or call 1300 22 4636.
Who can help?
Lifeline provides a 24hr confidential
There are many people who can
telephone crisis support service
help you deal with the emotional
for anyone across Australia
side of gout. Your first step is to try
experiencing a personal crisis.
to talk honestly with your partner,
Call 13 11 14.
parents or children about how you
feel. Give them a chance to talk too – What about information
they might have worries or feel that
they don’t know enough about your
from websites?
disease and how it is affecting you. The web can be a useful source of
Visit your GP if you are worried that information and support. However,
unwanted feelings are too strong or not everyone who puts information
have been there for a long time. Your on the web is a qualified health
GP may be able to suggest ways of practitioner.
26 Taking control of your GoutSeeking support
Some organisations make unrealistic The Australian Government’s
promises in order to sell their Healthdirect www.healthdirect.gov.au
products. Treatment options and is an excellent starting point for
practices from overseas may also not web searches, as every site that
be relevant or approved in Australia. Healthdirect links to has been
Always check information from the checked for quality and accuracy
web with a trusted member of your of information.
healthcare team.
Taking control of your Gout 27Glossary of terms
Arthritis are-thry-tiss Rheumatologist roo-ma-tol-o-jist
A name for over 100 different conditions A doctor who is a specialist in treating
that affect the joints. problems of the joints such as gout.
Corticosteroid core-tick-o-ster- oyd Tophi toe-fi
A type of medicine that is very effective Hard lumps of urate crystals that form
in reducing inflammation in the joints. beneath the skin on the ears, fingers,
hands, forearms, knees, and elbows.
Dietitian die-et-ish-un
A health professional who can help you Uric acid you-rick a-sid
with a healthy diet and weight loss. A normal waste product found in the
blood. It is made as our bodies break
Inflammation in-fla-may-shun down substances called purines.
The body’s response to damage or
infection. Inflammation can cause pain, Urate you-rayt
swelling, warmth, redness and difficulty Urate is another name for Uric Acid.
moving the joint. A normal waste product found in the
blood. It is made as our bodies break
NSAIDs en-sayds down substances called purines.
A group of medicines known as non-
steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These
can reduce inflammation and pain.
Purines pyu-reens
Natural substances found in the body’s
cells and many different foods.
28 Taking control of your GoutUseful resources
Australian resources To find a dietitian, contact the
Dietitians Association of Australia
For access to quality online www.daa.asn.au
information about gout, Ph: 1800 812 942
start at Healthdirect
www.healthdirect.gov.au To find a psychologist, contact the
Australian Psychological Society
For advice on healthy eating and www.psychology.org.au
appropriate exercise, visit the Ph: 1800 333 497
Department of Health
www.health.gov.au
International resources
To find a specialist, contact the
The patient area on the website
Australian Rheumatology Association
of the American College of
www.rheumatology.org.au
Rheumatology contains many
Ph: (02) 9252 2356
useful resources https://www.
To find a physiotherapist, contact the rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-
Australian Physiotherapy Association Caregiver
https://.choose.physio
The Gout and Uric Acid Education
To find a podiatrist, contact the Society (US) has information for both
Australian Podiatry Association medical professionals and people
https://www.podiatry.org.au with gout at www.gouteducation.org
Ph: (03) 9416 3111
Versus Arthritis (UK) also provides
high quality information for people
To find an exercise physiologist, with gout www.versus.org
contact Exercise and Sports Science
Australia www.essa.org.au
Ph: (07) 3171 3335 Please keep in mind that some
issues and treatments from overseas
may not be relevant in Australia.
Taking control of your Gout 29Notes 30 Taking control of your Gout
My contact details
My name:
Telephone:
My GP:
Name:
Telephone:
My specialist:
Name:
Telephone:
My support team:
Name:
Telephone:
Name:
Telephone:
My medicines
Name Dosage Instructions
Taking control of your Gout 31ARTHRITIS AUSTRALIA
Arthritis Australia is a not-for-profit
organisation that provides support
and information for all Australians
affected by arthritis.
Contact your State/Territory Arthritis
Office to find out about the range of
awareness and education programs,
support services and resources
available.
i
ARTHRITIS ACT ARTHRITIS TASMANIA
Building 18, 170 Haydon Drive 19A Main Road, Moonah TAS 7009
Bruce ACT 2617 PO Box 780 Moonah TAS 7009
PO Box 908 Belconnen ACT 2616
ARTHRITIS WESTERN AUSTRALIA
ARTHRITIS NEW SOUTH WALES 17 Lemnos Street
Suite 1, 15/32 Delhi Road Shenton Park WA 6008
North Ryde NSW 2113 PO Box 34 Wembley WA 6913
Locked Bag 2216 North Ryde NSW 1670
ARTHRITIS NORTHERN TERRITORY
Shop 18, Rapid Creek Business Village
48 Trower Road, Millner NT 0810
PO Box 452 Nightcliff NT 0814
ARTHRITIS QUEENSLAND ARTHRITIS AUSTRALIA
WOTSO Chermside, Level 2 Westfield
Level 2, 255 Broadway
Chermside, Chermside QLD 4032
PO Box 2121 Lutwyche QLD 4030 Glebe NSW 2037
PO Box 550 Broadway NSW 2007
ARTHRITIS SOUTH AUSTRALIA 111A Phone: 02 9518 4441
Welland Avenue Email: info@arthritisaustralia.com.au
Welland SA 5007
ISBN: 978-0-9805024-0-4
Arthritis Infoline: 1800 011 041 www.arthritisaustralia.com.auYou can also read
