Gouty Arthritis Treatment in India

Emma Sharma, a 58-year-old retired school...

Emma Sharma, a 58-year-old retired school librarian, had always been active, enjoying gardening and long walks. Over the past year, she began experiencing sudden, excruciating attacks of pain, redness, and swelling in her right big toe, often waking her at night. The attacks would last a week, making it impossible to wear shoes or walk. Her primary care physician diagnosed gouty arthritis, noting her elevated uric acid levels and a family history. He recommended starting a daily medication called allopurinol to lower her uric acid levels long-term and prescribed a short course of anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for acute flares. Emma was apprehensive about taking lifelong medication but trusted her doctor. Starting treatment was a relief, but she experienced one more mild flare during the initial adjustment period. After three months on a stable dose, her uric acid normalized, and she has been completely flare-free for six months. Emotionally, she went from feeling fearful and disabled by the unpredictable pain to regaining her confidence and independence. She is now back to her daily walks and gardening, feeling grateful for the simple pleasure of a pain-free step.