When you have gout you know first-hand how much pain it can cause. Gout is classified as a form of arthritis that usually affects the big toe. The onset can be sudden, and it usually happens at night. Excess uric acid in the body will produce small needle like crystals that migrate to the joints. The inflammation produced from these crystals will cause swelling and severe pain. If you are a gout sufferer it is important that you become familiar with a few effective gout relief methods.
The best way to find relief for gout is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. You can do this by reducing the amount of meat in your diet. Meat contains high levels of purines. Purines are byproducts of meat digestion that get converted into uric acid. There are specific Gout Diets you can follow that will reduce your gout attacks. Make sure you drink plenty of water to help your kidneys flush the uric acid from your system.
Even though Gout Prevention is a great idea, you will also need to know how to achieve Gout Pain relief during a flare up. There are several things you can do to find gout relief. Some of these things are home remedies that have proven useful and others are medications. The following list will provide you with gout relief methods.
1. Ice the joint
This is the fastest and easiest way to get gout pain relief. Simply place an ice pack on the affected joint for about 10 minutes. If you don’t have an ice pack, a bag of frozen vegetables works just as well. The ice numbs the pain and also helps reduce inflammation of the joint.
2. Epsom Salts
Your grandmother probably used Epsom salt for a variety of things. This type of salt contains magnesium which is great for improving circulation, reducing blood pressure and soothing aches and pains. Simply soak the affected joint in a warm bath of Epsom salt for gout pain relief.
3. Fresh Fruits
Fresh fruits contain a variety of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that can neutralize uric acid and reduce inflammation. Fruits that have been found to be the most effective for getting rid of gout are strawberries, cherries and citrus fruits. Fruits may not be an immediate Remedy For Gout Pain however, fruit consumption certainly speeds up the healing process.
4. NSAIDS
NSAIDS stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs can be purchased over the counter with ibuprofen being the most popular type of this pain medication. NSAIDS are great for reducing inflammation that is associated with gout and therefore, reducing the gout pain. NSAIDS can have some side effects – it is best if you take them with food. If you are prone to bleeding ulcers it is a good idea to check with your doctor before you take NSAIDS because they can increase your risk of bleeding.
5. Prescription Medications
Colchicine and Indomethacin are two most commonly prescribed medications for gout relief. However, it is important that you educate yourself on the side effects associated with both of these medicines before you take them. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits.
Relief for gout is easily accomplished if you have the right information. The tips mentioned above are useful to start with. You don’t have to suffer when you can get gout pain relief. The tips we shared should help you with your fight against this malady and prepare you to face it in case you affected by it.
