Best Gout Doctors in Lucknow

Types/Stages of Gout

Gout progresses through various stages:

• Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia: Characterised by high uric acid levels in the blood without any outward symptoms.

• Acute Gout: This stage witnesses sudden and intense joint pain coupled with swelling, redness and warmth often centred around the big toe joint.

• Interval/Intercritical Gout: The periods between acute attacks when there are no symptoms.

• Chronic Tophaceous Gout: This advanced stage results in frequent attacks with hard lumps (tophi) forming under the skin resulting in joint damage.

Symptoms of Gout

Indicative signs of gout vary but typically include:

• Sudden and severe pain in the affected joint, often the big toe.

• Joint swelling accompanied by redness and warmth.

• Decreased mobility due to the discomfort in the joints.

• The eventual formation of tophi (hard lumps) around the joints.

Tests to Diagnose Gout

At Apollo Hospitals, following diagnostic tests are used by gout treatment specialists to confirm gout:

• Physical Examination and Medical History: To assess the patient's overall health status and history of symptoms.

• Uric Acid Blood Test: To measure levels of uric acid in the blood.

• Joint Aspiration: A procedure to extract fluid from the inflamed joint to check for uric acid crystals.

• X-Rays: To inspect any potential joint damage.

• Dual Energy CT Scan or Ultrasound: Advanced imaging techniques to detect presence of crystals.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Gout at Apollo Hospitals, Lucknow

The best doctors for gout treatment at Apollo Hospitals in Lucknow offer a range of treatment options for gout:

• Medications: NSAIDs, colchicine or corticosteroids are prescribed to relieve acute symptoms.

• Uric Acid-lowering Drugs: Medications like allopurinol or probenecid are used to prevent future attacks by reducing uric acid levels.

• Lifestyle Modifications: Dietary restrictions on purine-rich foods and alcohol coupled with regular exercise can help manage gout effectively.

• Surgery: In rare, severe cases resistant to other treatments, surgical interventions may be considered.