Gout

The gout intercritical period is the asymptomatic time between attacks, but MSU crystals within the joints still exist and can become the seeds of a new attack at any time. You must start uric acid-lowering treatment during this period and maintain target levels for the crystals to dissolve. If treatment is stopped, blood uric acid levels rise again and crystals re-accumulate, causing the next attack to come faster and more intensely. Additionally, micro-damage to the joint cartilage can persist even during the asymptomatic period.

Perspective of a Korean Medicine Clinic

In Korean medicine, the intercritical period is a state where things appear quiet on the outside, but dampness and turbidity within the body are still accumulating. This period is the best opportunity to restore spleen and kidney function and eliminate latent damp-heat. Rather than the strong heat-clearing treatments used during the acute phase, the prescription is shifted to strengthen the spleen and stomach and replenish kidney energy, while moxibustion or bee venom therapy is used to aid in the regeneration of tissues surrounding the joints. At Dongjedang, even during the asymptomatic phase, periodic visits are conducted to monitor whether uric acid control is maintained, and a long-term treatment plan is implemented to raise the attack threshold.