Gout attacks are so painful that they can even wake you up in the middle of the night. This disorder occurs when urate crystals are deposited in the joints. Most of the time the big toe is affected, but the other joints of the feet and hands can also suffer, which in this way become painful and inflamed. The most effective way to treat gout is to use medications prescribed by your doctor, but you can also complement the therapy with home treatments to manage pain and a lifestyle change to reduce the chances of recurrence.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Home Treatments for Pain
Step 1. Lift the swollen joint
This facilitates blood circulation and the drainage of uric acid crystals.
- If the problem is with the foot, lie down in bed and try to keep it at an upper body height by resting it on a pile of pillows.
- When the inflammation is really very painful, it can be unbearable even to lean on the sheet.
Step 2. Soothe the joint by applying ice
This way you reduce inflammation and, to some extent, pain too.
- Apply ice for 20 minutes and then allow time for the injured area to warm up. Doing so prevents excessive cold from damaging the skin.
- If you don't have ice, you can use a packet of frozen vegetables, such as peas or corn.
- Make sure you always wrap ice or frozen vegetables in a thin towel so it doesn't come into direct contact with your skin.
Step 3. Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) you find without a prescription
These drugs can reduce inflammation and pain. Take them in the acute phase of the gout attack and for the next 2 days.
- Ibuprofen (Oki, Brufen) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) are NSAIDs.
- If you suffer from stomach ulcers or bleeding, kidney problems or blood pressure disorders, you should not take these medications.
- Do not take aspirin as it can increase uric acid levels, thus aggravating the problem.
- If you are currently taking other medications, consult your doctor to avoid possible interaction effects.
Part 2 of 3: Reduce Gout Attacks with Lifestyle Changes
Step 1. Make changes in your diet to reduce purine intake
When these elements are assimilated, the body produces uric acid which can accumulate in urate crystals in the joints. Consequently, if you reduce the amount of purines in your diet, you avoid the body having to metabolize them.
- Eat less red meat like steaks;
- Do not eat game such as rabbit, pheasant and deer;
- Avoid animal organs, such as the liver, kidneys, heart, and sweetbreads;
- Reduce your intake of fish, especially caviar and shellfish such as mussels, crabs and shrimps. It would also be advisable to give up blue fish such as sardines, anchovies, mackerel and sprinkles, whitebait, herring and trout;
- Even the yeast and meat extracts are rich in purines, such as Marmite, Bovril and many ready-made sauces available on the market;
- Consuming lower-fat dairy products could reduce the risk of gout attacks.
Step 2. Drink less alcohol
Alcoholic beverages, especially beer and spirits, have a high purine content.
- A glass of wine from time to time is fine and can also be useful.
- Keep in mind that a hangover can cause a gout attack.
Step 3. Avoid sugary drinks that have been sweetened with fructose, as they can aggravate your gout problem
Cherry extract flavored drinks are an exception, as long as they do not contain artificial flavors and other sugars. Cherries and their extract are believed to help reduce uric acid levels
Step 4. Drink plenty of water to stimulate healthy kidney function
The kidneys are essential for the production of urine with which uric acid is eliminated.
- The amount of water your body needs varies based on your body size, level of physical activity and the climate you live in, but the ideal would be to drink at least 6 - 8 glasses a day.
- By the time you get thirsty, you are already dehydrated and need to drink early. If you find that you rarely urinate and your pee is cloudy or dark in color, know that these are signs that you may be dehydrated.
Step 5. Exercise regularly
This allows you to improve your overall health and will make you feel good and fit.
- Aim for about 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking, or 15 minutes of more strenuous exercise, such as running, each day.
- Swimming is a great sport that keeps you moving without stressing aching joints.
Step 6. Lose weight if you weigh too much
But make sure you eat a sustainable and healthy diet.
Diets that aim to make you lose a lot of weight quickly are often based on the intake of lots of proteins and few carbohydrates. In this way, however, there is the risk of significantly increasing the intake of purines, risking to aggravate gout
Step 7. Take Vitamin C Supplements
This vitamin helps to excrete uric acid through the kidneys with the production of urine and thus can protect you from gout.
- Ask your doctor for advice before adding supplements to your diet to make sure they are suitable for your specific case.
- Keep in mind that vitamin C only reduces uric acid a little, so while it may help prevent new attacks, it can hardly be considered a cure in itself.
Step 8. Drink your coffee
Coffee, even decaffeinated coffee, can help reduce uric acid levels. However, this method is not confirmed by scientific studies because the mechanism of action has not yet been identified.
Part 3 of 3: Knowing When to See a Doctor
Step 1. See your doctor if this is your first gout attack
This disorder can damage the joints and you should start treatment as soon as possible. Plus, by doing so, you also reduce pain quickly.
- Symptoms of gout include pain, inflammation, and redness in the affected joints for several hours, and less severe pain that lasts for days or weeks following the attack. The joints most affected are those of the hands and feet.
- Although gout can be controlled and avoided with lifestyle changes, treatment usually involves medication.
- See your doctor right away if your gout attack is associated with fever or if the joint is hot. These symptoms may indicate an ongoing infection, which needs prompt treatment.
Step 2. Discuss the different gout medications available with your doctor
Your doctor will be able to recommend a specific therapy suited to your needs, also taking into account your medical history. He may prescribe you:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. If over-the-counter medications have been ineffective at managing your pain, your doctor will be able to refer you to stronger medications.
- Colchicine. This drug reduces the inflammatory reaction of the lining of the joint to the presence of the crystals.
- Corticosteroids. They can be given by injection directly into the affected joint for quick relief. However, they cannot be taken for an extended period.
- If you have a history of gout, your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce uric acid levels which decrease the body's production and increase its excretion.
Step 3. Consider your risk factors for relapse when deciding on a specific type of treatment
Some people are more prone to gout than others; The risk factors for certain categories are listed below:
- A diet based on a lot of meat, fish, sweet drinks and beer.
- Being overweight.
- High blood pressure, diabetes, metabolic disorders, heart or kidney disease.
- Hypertension therapy, anti-rejection drugs after a transplant or aspirin.
- Familiarity for gout.
- Having undergone surgery or an injury.
- Men are more likely to suffer from gout than women, although the risks for women increase after menopause.
Warnings
- Do not take aspirin, even if it is a pain reliever. This drug has been found to increase the level of uric acid in the blood and as a result may increase pain and inflammation in the affected joint.
- Always ask your doctor for advice before trying any new "do-it-yourself" diet or remedy.
