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We are excited to announce that Dr. Padma R. Chimata has been elected as the 2026 President of the Harris County Medical Society West Branch!
More than eight million adults in the United States have gout, an inflammatory form of arthritis characterized by high levels of uric acid in the body. Without treatment, this buildup can cause sharp, needle-like crystals to form inside the joints.
At Katy Rheumatology & Associates in Katy, Texas, double-board-certified rheumatologist Padma Chimata, MD, FACP, AGS, and our team specialize in diagnosing and treating gout.
There’s no cure for gout, but you can take steps to reduce the frequency of flare-ups and feel your best. Here are several practical things you can do to prevent gout from worsening and keep your joints healthy.
One of the best ways to keep your uric acid levels from spiking is to stay hydrated. Water, in particular, can dilute the uric acid in your body, making it easier for your kidneys to process and flush it out.
You don’t necessarily need to drink a specific amount of water, but monitoring your urine color can help. Clear or light yellow is a good sign that you’re well-hydrated; anything darker means you should increase your fluid intake.
Foods and drinks containing purines are more likely to break down into uric acid, so it’s important to limit them. Some of the most common high-purine foods include red meat, seafood, and organ meat. Sugary drinks, like soda and juice, can also increase uric acid levels.
Focus on eating a nutritious diet. Whenever possible, fill your plate with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Balanced meals can help reduce the formation of uric acid crystals and lower the frequency of gout flares.
Without proper management, gout can damage your joints and cause pain and stiffness. The good news is that regular, low-impact exercise can help reduce the severity of your symptoms.
For example, activities such as walking, cycling, and swimming can strengthen and stabilize the muscles around your joints, and ease overall joint pressure. They also support a healthy weight and promote better mobility, so you can move more comfortably.
Alcoholic beverages, especially beer and hard liquor, increase uric acid levels. These effects are even more pronounced if you drink heavily or on a regular basis.
Even those who drink moderately can experience gout flares, so we recommend limiting alcohol intake. This can help prevent uric acid spikes and lower the risk of joint inflammation.
Gout medications can lower the intensity of flares and help prevent further joint damage, but only if you take them as prescribed. Follow our instructions carefully and consider setting reminders or alarms to help you stay on track.
It takes some getting used to, but sticking to a routine is essential. Failing to do so can cause uric acid levels to spike and increase your risk of suffering permanent joint damage.
Gout can be difficult to manage, but with prompt diagnosis and expert care, it’s possible to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and keep joint damage from progressing.
If you’ve been diagnosed with gout or have a family history of the condition and are experiencing symptoms, schedule an appointment at Katy Rheumatology & Associates in Katy, Texas. Call 281-941-6923 today, or book online at your convenience.
