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Gout, a painful form of arthritis, affects millions of individuals in the United States. Characterized by sudden and severe attacks of pain, swelling, and redness in the joints, gout primarily targets your feet and hands, but can also affect other joints and tendons and even your kidneys. Lifestyle and diet changes as well as infusion treatments offer an innovative approach to managing gout symptoms and reducing the risk of future flare-ups.
Understanding Gout
Gout is caused by hyperuricemia, a condition with an excess of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid, a waste product formed from the breakdown of purines found in certain foods and drinks, can crystallize and deposit in the joints, leading to intense pain and inflammation. The resulting flare-ups, known as gout attacks, can be debilitating and often require immediate medical attention.
Gout affects approximately 9.2 million people in the United States or about 3.9% of adults. It is more prevalent in men and older adults. Risk factors for gout include genetics, obesity, certain medications, and dietary choices high in purines (e.g., red meat, seafood, and alcohol).
The Role of Diet in Gout Management
Diet plays a significant role in managing gout. As certain foods can trigger attacks simply eliminating them may not be enough. Adopting an all-round healthy way of eating and incorporating exercise routine can help prevent gout flares and attacks. Patients are often advised to:
. Reduce Purine-Rich Foods: Limit red meats, organ meats, and certain seafood intake.
. Avoid Alcohol and Sugary Drinks: These beverages can elevate uric acid levels.
. Increase Hydration: Drinking plenty of water helps flush uric acid from the body.
. Choose Low-Purine Alternatives: Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and healthy fats like olive oils into your diet.
. Low to Moderate-Intensity Exercise: Walking, cycling, and swimming can be especially helpful because they work the cardiovascular system and can help with weight management.
Adopting a gout-friendly diet and healthy lifestyle can help reduce the frequency and severity of gout attacks. However, diet alone may not be sufficient for all patients, necessitating additional medical treatments.
The Role of Infusion Therapy for Gout
Infusion therapy is an effective treatment option for gout, providing faster relief and an alternative option for patients who have difficulty with oral medications. Krystexxa (pegloticase) is a biologic medication administered via infusion every two weeks. It works by converting uric acid crystals into a water-soluble substance called allantoin that your body easily gets rid of through urine. It also reduces the amount of uric acid the body produces that causes gout symptoms.
Krystexxa can safely and effectively remove years of uric acid crystal buildup from your joints and help stop gout flare ups. This can lead to a significant reduction in the frequency and severity of gout attacks, as well as improve joint function and quality of life.
Benefits of Krystexxa Infusion Therapy
. Effective for Chronic Gout: particularly beneficial for patients with chronic gout who have not responded to conventional therapies.
. Reduces Flare-Ups: reduces the risk of future gout attacks by maintaining lower uric acid levels.
. Minimizes Complications: Long-term management with Krystexxa can help prevent complications such as joint damage and kidney stones.
. Convenient for Patients: Infusion therapy is ideal for patients who have difficulty swallowing pills or prefer not to take daily medication.
Clinical Evidence Supporting Krystexxa
Clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Krystexxa in managing gout. According to research published in Arthritis & Rheumatology, Krystexxa significantly reduces uric acid levels and improves clinical outcomes in patients with chronic gout.
Another study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that Krystexxa resulted in a rapid and sustained reduction in uric acid levels, leading to fewer gout flare-ups and improved joint health.
Patients taking Krystexxa saw reduced symptoms and years of uric acid crystal buildup dissolved in 6 to 12 months compared to only a small amount of uric acid crystal buildup being dissolved in more than 2 years when only taking oral gout medicines.
Taking Control of Gout with Sage Infusion
Managing gout requires a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle modifications and medical treatments. Infusion therapy with Krystexxa offers a promising solution for patients struggling with chronic gout, providing effective symptom relief and reducing the risk of future attacks.
Sage Infusion provides expert patient-centered infusion care working closely with the referring physician, including insurance authorization and patient progress updates. Our flexible scheduling meets our patient’s needs with extended hours. Day, night, and weekend appointments are available. Our Nurse Practitioners follow the National Infusion Center Association guidelines and our proprietary clinical protocols. Sage Infusion offers a variety of comforting amenities, and patients can choose to receive treatment in the open lounge or a private room.
From a quick start to upfront pricing and financial assistance to compassionate care by our clinical experts in a serene environment, you will experience infusion therapy like never before. Sage Infusion offers the best infusion therapy care in a contemporary boutique clinic in the Sunshine State with eight locations – Brandon, Clearwater, Fort Myers, Orlando, Sarasota, Tampa, The Villages Lake Sumter, and The Villages Spanish Springs.
sageinfusion.com/swwellness
Lake Sumter | 910 Old Camp Rd Suite 196,
The Villages, FL 32162 | (352) 565-5553
Spanish Springs | 8550 NE 138th Ln, Suite 502,
Lady Lake, FL 32159 | (352) 810-3536
References
1. Gout prevalence: National Institutes of Health.
2. Krystexxa effectiveness: Arthritis & Rheumatology journal.
3. Krystexxa clinical study: New England Journal of Medicine.
