Gout

Gout affects an estimated 9.2 million adults in the United States, causing chronic joint swelling and pain. If you have gout that’s not treatable with traditional medicines, you may be a candidate for the treatments Bioinfusion Center offers. Cindy Crosby, MSN, FNP, CCRN, CRNI, and the medical team offer medicated intravenous (IV) infusions to address uric acid buildup, the root cause of gout pain. Call the Farmington Hills, Michigan, office today to find out how IV therapy works or book a consultation online.

What is gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis that develops when uric acid builds up in the body and forms sharp crystals in the joints, causing flare-ups of joint pain and swelling. 

Uric acid is a natural byproduct of the breakdown of purines, a substance found in food and drinks. The kidneys filter uric acid out of the body through urine, but sometimes, this process isn’t fast enough to prevent uric acid buildup. 

You may also be prone to gout if you have:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Blood cancer
• Congestive heart failure
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Hyperuricemia (excess uric acid production)

Bioinfusion Center offers IV infusion therapy to treat adults with chronic gout. The medical team customizes a care plan to ease severe joint pain and swelling that doesn’t respond well to other treatments. 

When should I seek medical attention for gout?

Gout flare-ups can develop suddenly and cause intense joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and discoloration. Flare-ups typically last 1-2 weeks and can interfere with mobility and sleep quality. 

Gout most often affects the big toe joint, but crystals can also form in the knees, hands, elbows, wrists, ankles, and feet. 

Bioinfusion Center’s team recommends scheduling an infusion therapy consultation if your current gout treatment isn’t working well, if your gout symptoms are severe, or if flare-ups are frequent or long-lasting. 

How does IV infusion therapy treat gout?

Bioinfusion Center offers custom IV infusions that contain Krystexxa® (pegloticase), a medication that converts uric acid into a compound that your body can remove more easily. Krystexxa effectively reduces uric acid levels and also dissolves acid crystals to prevent additional gout flare-ups. 

Treatment requires Krystexxa infusions every two weeks over the course of several months to achieve healthier uric acid levels. Each infusion lasts several hours, and the team monitors your health throughout your session. 

In addition to IV therapy, the Bioinfusion Center team recommends a daily exercise program to maintain a healthy weight and support joint flexibility. 

You should also drink plenty of water to support kidney function and avoid foods high in purines, including seafood, alcohol, and sugar. 

Call Bioinfusion Center today to find out if IV infusion therapy is an option for your gout treatment plan. You can also book a consultation online.