Natural Ways to Relieve Gout Pain

Gout is a form of arthritis that causes joint inflammation and swelling. While it can occur in any joint in the body, gout most commonly affects the heel or the big toe. The pain caused by gout can be so extreme that it is difficult to walk, let alone perform daily tasks. If you are suffering from gout, there are a few natural remedies that may help relieve your pain.

Internal Relief

• Some gout pain relief is available in food form. There are several fruits and vegetables that have proven beneficial in fighting the inflammation and pain associated with gout. Apples are the main fruit for gout relief. Eating at least one apple a day can reduce the level of inflammation, which automatically reduces pain.

  Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body, and vitamin C and phosphorous are both effective in flushing out uric acid. Bananas are the most phosphorous-rich food, and eating three bananas a day will provide enough phosphorous to cause a substantial reduction in gout symptoms, including pain.

  Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits like oranges, lemons and limes, cherries, strawberries, tomatoes, green peppers and leafy green vegetables such as spinach and romaine lettuce. Eating any of these fresh fruits daily or drinking juice that contains a large amount of citrus fruits can help eliminate uric acid and reduce gout symptoms.

External Relief

• While food can help reduce or even eliminate gout symptoms, you do not need to rely on diet alone to relieve gout pain. There are a few homeopathic remedies that have proven effective against gout as well.

  One method of gout pain relief is to use a whole wheat and mustard paste. To create the paste, mix equal amounts of ground mustard seed and whole wheat powder together, adding just enough water to create a paste. Once the paste is made, spread a layer over the affected body part and cover with plastic wrap and a bandage to keep the paste from wiping off. This will heal the gout itself, which will reduce the pain.

  Another homemade gout remedy is a charcoal bath. Make the bath by mixing charcoal powder with enough water to make a paste. Lay the gout-affected body part in the mixture, adding enough water to make sure the body part is completely submerged. Soak the area for up to an hour to help eliminate gout and the pain that goes with it.