|  | Conditions Treatments | Gout

What Can You Do for Gout Pain?

A version of arthritis, gout occurs when an excessive amount of uric acid develops in the blood and joints, resulting in a lot of pain. It can happen when the body produces too much uric acid, or from uric acid buildup due to eating certain types of foods. There's a greater chance of a man suffering from gout than a women, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Your risk increases if you consume alcohol or have a hereditary predisposition to gout. Luckily, there are several ways to deal with gout pain.

  1. Eat Right

    • If you suffer from gout pain, limit your servings of poultry, lean meat and fish to no more than 6 oz. each day. Avoid eating excessive amounts of liver and beans because these contain purines, which can affect uric acid buildup. Consider adding cherries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and purple grapes to your diet. According to the Mayo Clinic, cherries were linked to lower uric acid levels, although their full effects on gout symptoms are not known. Still, adding these fruits to your diet can be a tasty way to treat your gout.

    Take Medication

    • A variety of medications can be taken to ease the pain associated with gout. Some options include Colchicine, an anti-inflammatory drug available via prescription; over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); and steroids. You should always discuss with your doctor the best course of treatment for you gout pain.

    Put Down the Beer

    • Do not drink alcohol---this will only increase your symptoms during a gout attack, and you should limit your alcohol consumption as much as possible when you are not having an attack. Instead of drinking alcohol, drink a lot of water. Staying well hydrated is especially important if you are prone to gout attacks.

Gout - Related Articles