Gout is a leading cause of chronic inflammation arthritis in the US. According to the National Kidney Foundation, gout prevalence more than doubled between the 1960s and 1990s and is estimated at 8.3 million adults (3.9%). But this doesn’t come as a surprise considering the obesity epidemic, lifestyle changes, and the fact that gout has no cure.
Gout often starts suddenly, with intense pain in one or more affected joints. The metatarsophalangeal joint (the big toe joint) is a common target, but other joints, like wrists, ankles, and knees can also be involved. Symptoms typically include:
These flare-ups may be mistaken for other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, so getting an accurate diagnosis is essential. There’s no cure for gout. The available medications are designed to either:
Which kind of medication is right for you depends on the severity and frequency of your symptoms, as well as other health issues you may have. For example, if you only have occasional gout attacks, an NSAID or colchicine might be enough to manage your symptoms. But if your gout is frequent or severe, or if you have visible signs of joint damage (like tophi), your doctor might recommend medications to lower uric acid levels and prevent future complications.
The personalized approach ensures the treatment plan targets your gout and supports your overall health. However, even with these options, many people still struggle to control their symptoms or avoid flare-ups entirely. That’s why researchers continue to explore new therapies through clinical trials.
These trials let you try out new and innovative treatments that aren’t available yet to the general public. They also give you a chance to contribute to research that could lead to better therapies for managing gout pain, tophaceous gout, and the complications that come with it.
Gout can be stubborn. Even though there are treatments to manage pain and swelling or lower uric acid levels, they don’t work the same for everyone. Some people still deal with regular gout flares, especially in areas like the big toe or other affected joints.
Participating in a clinical trial could give you access to treatments designed to:
For example, the Science 37 Tophaceous Gout Study focuses on severe gout cases where tophi (painful lumps of uric acid crystals) develop around joints. If this sounds like what you’re going through, this research could offer you new hope.
Gout treatment has progressed, but some patients still struggle to achieve their treatment goals. Thankfully, new therapies are being developed to address these challenges.
The inflammation in gout is caused by tiny urate crystals that trigger a strong immune response. New treatments focus on blocking this process:
Newer therapies are improving how we lower uric acid levels in the blood:
These advances are giving patients more options, especially for severe or treatment-resistant gout. Institutions like Science 37 are also conducting studies, such as their Tophaceous Gout Study, to develop treatments for people with severe inflammatory gout.
Clinical trials aren’t as intimidating as they might sound. First, there’s a screening period to see if you’re a good fit for the study. If you qualify, you’ll get access to the trial treatment while being closely monitored by doctors and researchers.These studies test medications to find better solutions for people like you who need more effective relief. And the best part? Many trials provide treatments at no cost. Science 37 even pays participants and allows them to participate in the clinical trials from the comfort of their own homes.
If your gout isn’t under control, or if you’re dealing with severe symptoms like tophaceous gout or regular gout flares, a clinical trial could open up new possibilities. A trial is also a way to help advance research that might improve the lives of others with gout in the future.
Even as you explore new treatments, small lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Gout has many risk factors, some which are within your control. For example, being overweight increases stress on your joints and raises uric acid levels, but losing weight reduces that risk. Eating too much red meat or drinking sugary beverages also triggers flare-ups—swapping these for healthier food and drinks can help prevent them.
It’s all about making small, sustainable changes. And if you’re unsure where to start, your primary care provider can help you determine what works best for you. They can also identify other risk factors, like certain medical conditions or medications, and help you create a plan to keep things under control.
With innovative therapies and ongoing research, the outlook for managing severe or treatment-resistant gout is brighter than ever. Your participation can make a difference. Progress depends on people like you contributing to this critical research. If you or someone you know is living with inflammatory gout, join us in advancing care and finding better solutions.Take the first step—sign up today.
