The course of gout and its attacks differs from person to person. While some people have 1-2 attacks a year, some people may have more frequent attacks. If the necessary precautions are not taken, the attacks tend to be more frequent and in different joints.
Although acute attacks can cause very severe pain from time to time, joint damage does not occur due to attacks alone. However, over time, cartilage and bone damage may develop with Tophi that develops in and around the joint, and chronic joint inflammation with constant pain may develop.
With modern treatments and appropriate diet and lifestyle changes, it is possible to avoid this chronic process that causes damage by lowering uric acid levels. By lowering the uric acid levels, new crystal formation is prevented and the formed crystals are slowly eliminated over time. It may take up to 2 years to clear all uric acid crystals in the body.
Since gout is often associated with Metabolic Syndrome, it is necessary to pay attention to blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels and to make regular follow-ups in this regard. If gout is left untreated, it can sometimes cause kidney stone formation.
