Best Doctors for Gout in Kolkata

Types/Stages of Gout

Gout progresses through several stages:

• Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia: This stage identifies the presence of high uric acid levels in the blood without any visible symptoms.

• Acute Gout: This stage is characterised by sudden, intense joint pain, swelling, redness, warmth often affecting the big toe joint.

• Interval or Intercritical Gout: The period between acute attacks when there are no symptoms.

• Chronic Tophaceous Gout: Characterised by frequent attacks, hard lumps (tophi) form under the skin leading to joint damage.

Symptoms of Gout

People suffering from gout may experience:

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

• Joint swelling

• Redness and warmth in the area around the joint

• Decreased mobility

Tests to Diagnose Gout

Upon contacting our team of doctors for Gout treatment and specialists at Apollo Hospitals, Kolkata, they may recommend:

• A thorough Physical Examination and Medical History Review: Detailed discussions about symptoms, diet, lifestyle, and family history.

• Uric Acid Blood Test: A uric acid blood test measures the amount of uric acid in the blood to diagnose and monitor gout. It helps determine how well the body produces and removes uric acid.

• Joint Aspiration: The doctor extracts a small sample of fluid from the affected joint to check for uric acid crystals.

• X-rays: These help identify any joint damage that might have occurred due to uric acid. It also helps identify any joint damage or other conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms.

• Dual Energy CT Scan or Ultrasound: Used to detect the presence of uric acid crystals in and around the joints.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Gout at Apollo Hospitals, Kolkata

At Apollo Hospitals, our gout treatment surgeons and specialists offer a comprehensive range of services:

• Medication: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), colchicine, and corticosteroids are used to manage acute gout symptoms. For long-term management, uric acid-lowering medications like allopurinol or probenecid are prescribed to prevent future attacks.

• Lifestyle Changes: Modifying diet habits to limit purine-rich foods and alcohol can help control uric acid levels.

• Surgery: In rare instances where gout is resistant to other treatments and causes extensive joint damage, surgical intervention may be considered.