If you are suffering from gout, you may also be concerned about other health issues that may arise as a complication of this disease, such as kidney stones. Gout is already painful enough on its own, so it is understandable that you would want to do everything you can to avoid any other additional health problems.
Unfortunately, gout does put you at a higher risk of developing kidney stones. But with proper treatment for gout, you can prevent further health problems from occurring down the line.
What Causes Gout and Kidney Stones?
The main contributing cause for gout is high uric acid in the body. Uric acid is completely normal; we all have it within us. But when the body has too much of it, or it is not being properly excreted, then this can cause serious issues. Common factors that contribute to gout and high levels of uric acid in the body include:
- High purine diet
- Large body weight
- Excess consumption of alcohol
- High blood pressure
- Processed foods and high fructose corn syrup
- Certain medications
Many of the causes of gout are also contributing factors to kidney stones, a common complication of untreated gout. This is particularly a risk factor if gout is untreated or prolonged.
How Long Does Gout Last?
An acute gout attack often lasts between 12-24 hours in which symptoms are its worst, but full recovery can occur within 7-14 days. If left untreated, gout can lead to serious complications. One of the primary complications of unaddressed gout is kidney stones.
There are also cases of recurrent gout in which gout symptoms may reappear multiple times per year. Although this may sound frightening, the important thing to know is that gout is completely treatable with proper guidance.
The Connection Between Gout and Kidney Stones
Gout is primarily caused by high levels of uric acid in the body. Although uric acid is a normal waste component of the body, it can cause a wide range of issues when it gets out of control. The kidneys typically excrete uric acid. The ability of the kidneys to excrete uric acid is a specialized function of the kidneys. One can have gout with normally functioning kidneys but if ones kidneys are failing then the risk of gout becomes higher.
Excess uric acid in the body from gout can cause uric acid kidney stones to develop. But this is only one type of kidney stone, and there are many other types of kidney stones that you are not at risk for due to gout. With proper treatment for uric acid buildup and gout, you can prevent uric acid kidney stones from occurring and ease your gout symptoms at the same time.
How to Prevent Gout and Kidney Stones
The primary way to prevent both gout and uric acid kidney stones is to reduce the uric acid levels in the body to their optimal range. This can be addressed through medication, diet adjustments, weight-loss strategies, improved hydration and lifestyle changes.
Get Relief from Gout at Our Clinic Today!
Gout and kidney stones are both very painful conditions, but they are also completely treatable. For assistance in treating gout, reach out to us at our clinic – Contact us @ Overlake Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center located 2100 116th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004.
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