10 Home Remedies For Gout

Gout is incurable, but relief can be found through various treatments. Medications, home remedies, and self-care strategies, such as drinking plenty of water and applying ice, can reduce the symptoms and keep the condition in remission.

People suffering from gout can alleviate their symptoms by adjusting their diet. Lowering purine levels in the body can help reduce the frequency of a gout flare, which can be achieved through changes in food choices. Commonly affected areas include the toes, ankles, and knees, and the pain and discomfort associated with gout can be managed through dietary modifications.

Causes Of Gout

When the body creates excessive uric acid by breaking down food purines, a person may experience gout.

The body produces uric acid as part of its natural processes. When there is too much of it, it will form crystals that can accumulate in the tissues, particularly around the joints. Consequently, inflammation, pain and other unpleasant symptoms can occur.

Affected joints may develop growths of crystals known as tophi.

Managing A Gout Flare

In the event of a gout flare-up, a person can manage it and take preventative measures to reduce the chance of future flare-ups.

The Arthritis Foundation recommends that:

• Starting Treatment Immediately. A doctor's instructions should be strictly followed when taking any medication for gout. Additionally, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen, can reduce the gout attack's pain and inflammation.
  
  
• Calling A Doctor. It is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible if one experiences the onset of a flare, as treatment within 24 hours may reduce the flare's intensity and duration. The doctor may recommend a new medication for this purpose.
  
  
• Getting A Cane. Using a cane can help reduce the pressure on the aching joint, providing relief and support.
  
  
• Relaxing. Stress can trigger gout, so finding ways to distract yourself from stressful situations is important. Watching a movie, talking with a friend, reading a book, or listening to music are all great ways to help reduce your stress levels and prevent gout flare-ups.

Suppose a person experiences a gout flare-up accompanied by worsening pain, a high temperature, nausea, and a lack of appetite. In that case, they should seek medical assistance right away.

Natural Remedies For Gout

Natural remedies to help ease the symptoms of gout include:

1. Drinking Plenty Of Water

Staying hydrated is important to reduce gout symptoms such as swelling and inflammation.

Drinking more fluids can help flush out the kidneys, reducing the swelling and inflammation associated with gout.

Consuming adequate amounts of liquids can clear toxins from the kidneys, which may help to reduce the discomfort and swelling often experienced with gout.

Therefore, it is advised that those suffering from congestive heart failure or kidney disease consult their doctor before increasing their liquid consumption.

2. Applying Ice To Affected Joints

To reduce inflammation caused by gout, applying a cloth-covered cold object to the joint can be beneficial. Placing a thin towel-wrapped hard object on the area for 20 minutes can help to reduce pain.

3. Reducing Stress

Stress can worsen gout symptomsTrusted Source. While it is not always possible to eliminate all sources of stress, the following self-care tips might help:

• Engaging in physical activity if the pain doesn't restrict mobility
  
  
• Requesting time off from employment
  
  
• Keeping a journal or indulging in reading a preferred book
  
  
• Practicing meditation

A good night's sleep can be beneficial in reducing stress levels.

4. Elevating The Affected Joints

Pain and swelling are common gout symptoms, particularly in the feet, hands, knees, or ankles.

Elevation of the affected joints can be beneficial for reducing swelling. This helps move fluid and blood away from the joint and back towards the heart. To help relieve gout symptoms, combining elevation with an ice pack is recommended. This is known as the RICE method which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation.

5. Taking Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers

Non-natural anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) that are available over-the-counter (OTC), are effective treatments for pain and inflammation caused by gout.

When taking over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, it is important to adhere to the recommended dose and to consult a doctor about potential interactions with other medications. If OTC pain relievers fail to provide relief, medical advice should be sought regarding alternative treatments.

6. Drinking Coffee

It is possible to reduce the risk of gout by drinking coffee. This could be because coffee can decrease uric acid levels. As such, it may be beneficial for people to consume coffee regularly.

A relationship between higher coffee consumption and a lower risk of gout. However, it is important to note that this study does not prove that coffee is the cause of the lower risk; it could just be a coincidence.

7. Eating A Balanced Diet

Eating various nutritious, whole foods can help keep uric acid levels in check and reduce the risk of gout flares. Plant-based diets, low in fat and carbohydrates, may be especially beneficial for people with gout. Additionally, many fruits and vegetables are loaded with antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties.

8. Drinking Lemon Water

When two freshly squeezed lemons were added to 2 litres of water daily, it positively affected uric acid levels in those with gout. The research demonstrated that lemon water has the effect of neutralising uric acid in the body, thus resulting in a reduction of the substance.

9. Limiting Alcohol Intake

Study suggests that frequent or intense alcohol consumption can increase someone's risk of developing gout. Beer, in particular, is high in purines, so reducing or abstaining from its consumption may help someone manage their gout symptoms.

10. Avoiding High-Purine Meats

Consuming meats with low purine content may help alleviate the gout symptoms' severity. Limiting the amount of purine-rich meats, such as organ, game, and certain fish, in the diet is recommended.

Purine-rich meats and fish include:

• Haddock
  
  
• Trout
  
  
• Organ meats, such as liver
  
  
• Scallops
  
  
• Herring
  
  
• Veal
  
  
• Venison
  
  
• Mussels
  
  
• Sardines
  
  
• Cod
  
  
• Anchovies
  
  
• Turkey
  
  
• Bacon

Medications

For severe gout flares, doctors may suggest medications to reduce symptoms, such as:

• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like aspirin and ibuprofen, are effective at relieving pain and reducing inflammation associated with gout.
  
  
• Colchicine: Colchicine works by inhibiting the formation of uric acid crystals, which cause gout flares. It reduces pain and swelling associated with gout and helps prevent future episodes.
  
  
• Corticosteroids: In cases where traditional medications have not effectively relieved gout symptoms, doctors may suggest taking oral or intravenous (IV) corticosteroids. These drugs can help reduce inflammation and the pain that gout can cause.

Other Treatments

Rarely, surgery may be recommended as a treatment for gout. This could be due to extreme pain, major deformities, or a severe infection in the affected area.

Gout surgeries that may be considered include:

• Joint Fusion: To stabilise a joint damaged by chronic gout, surgeons may fuse it.
  
  
• Joint Replacement: Artificial joints can be substituted for affected joints by surgeons.
  
  
• Tophi Removal: When severe discomfort, abnormalities, or infections are present, a surgeon may remove the tophi.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Some Effective Home Remedies For Gout?

To reduce the symptoms of gout, it is recommended to drink a lot of water, elevate and use ice packs on the affected joint, reduce stress levels, and take an over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen.

Which Beverages Can Help Flush Out Gout?

Drinking a lot of water helps manage gout symptoms. It is best to avoid or limit the intake of alcoholic beverages and drinks with high fructose levels.

Summary

Managing gout flares can be painful and tiring. Strategies, including home care, can help to alleviate symptoms and reduce the possibility of flares. Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active also benefit people with gout. If symptoms don't start to improve within two days, it is important to contact a doctor for further medical advice.

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