Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis that causes severe pain, redness, and swelling in the joints, most often affecting the big toe. The key to managing gout effectively lies in understanding its inflammatory process and finding ways to relieve pain. This article will explore how gout inflammation develops, the traditional treatments used to control it, and a new approach called photobiomodulation that shows promise in reducing symptoms.
The Inflammatory Process of Gout
To understand how to treat gout, it is important to first know how its inflammation starts. Gout happens when a substance called uric acid builds up in the blood. When there is too much uric acid, it forms sharp crystals that collect in the joints.
As explained by Cronstein and Terkeltaub (2006), these crystals trigger a strong reaction from the body's immune system. White blood cells, especially a type called neutrophils, rush to the area where the crystals are. This rush causes the joint to become inflamed—swollen, red, hot, and very painful. The inflammation can happen suddenly, often at night, and can last for days if not treated.
Traditional Treatments for Gout Inflammation
For many years, doctors have used certain medicines to treat gout inflammation and relieve pain. Cronstein and Terkeltaub (2006) discuss these traditional treatments, which work by targeting different parts of the inflammatory process.
One common type of medicine is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs help reduce inflammation and ease pain by blocking substances in the body that cause swelling and discomfort. Another medicine often used is colchicine, which works by stopping neutrophils from gathering around the uric acid crystals, thus slowing down the inflammatory reaction.
In more severe cases, corticosteroids may be prescribed. These powerful anti-inflammatory drugs can quickly reduce swelling and pain, either taken as a pill or injected directly into the affected joint. Additionally, some treatments focus on lowering the level of uric acid in the blood to prevent future gout attacks, as fewer crystals mean less chance of inflammation.
Photobiomodulation: A New Approach
In recent years, researchers have been looking into a different way to manage inflammation and pain in conditions like gout—photobiomodulation (PBM). Da Silva and colleagues (2023) explain that PBM uses low-level light, such as laser or LED light, to affect the body at the molecular, cellular, and whole-body levels.
Unlike strong laser treatments that can heat or damage tissues, PBM uses gentle light that is absorbed by cells. This absorption leads to changes inside the cells, such as increasing the production of energy and reducing the release of substances that cause inflammation. The result is a decrease in swelling and pain.
Photobiomodulation in Gout Treatment
A study by Coracini and team (2023) looked at how PBM works specifically in gout. They used rats with a gout-like condition and applied PBM to a part of the nervous system called the dorsal root ganglion, which is involved in sending pain signals to the brain.
The researchers found that PBM had acute (quick) effects on the rats with gout. It reduced inflammation in the affected joints and lessened the pain response. This suggests that PBM could be a helpful treatment for people with gout, especially in providing fast relief during acute attacks.
What makes this finding exciting is that PBM is a non-drug treatment, which means it might have fewer side effects compared to some traditional medicines. It could also be used alongside other treatments to enhance their effectiveness.
Conclusion
Managing gout involves controlling inflammation and relieving pain. The inflammatory process in gout, triggered by uric acid crystals and involving immune cells like neutrophils, is well understood, and traditional treatments such as NSAIDs, colchicine, and corticosteroids have been effective in reducing symptoms.
Newer approaches like photobiomodulation offer promising results, with studies showing that it can reduce inflammation and pain in gout models. As research continues, PBM may become an important part of gout treatment, providing more options for those living with this condition.
References
• Cronstein BN, Terkeltaub R. The inflammatory process of gout and its treatment. Arthritis Res Ther. 2006;8 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):S3. doi: 10.1186/ar1908. Epub 2006 Apr 12. PMID: 16820042; PMCID: PMC3226108.
• da Silva TG, Ribeiro RS, Mencalha AL, de Souza Fonseca A. Photobiomodulation at molecular, cellular, and systemic levels. Lasers Med Sci. 2023 Jun 13;38(1):136. doi: 10.1007/s10103-023-03801-6. PMID: 37310556.
• Coracini CA, Zazula MF, Ferreira MO, da Silva JC, da Silva Scarton SR, Panis C, de Fátima Chasko Ribeiro L, da Silva Leal TS, Bertolini GRF. Acute effects of photobiomodulation applied on the dorsal root ganglion in gout model-induced rats. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2023 Feb;239:112644. doi: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2022.112644. Epub 2022 Dec 29. PMID: 36652793.
