How to Cure Symptoms of Gout

Gout is a painful and complex type of arthritis that often develops quickly. Although the symptoms of gout can come and go, they are typically acute when they're present. Men are more likely to suffer from gout than women, finds the Mayo Clinic, and post-menopausal women face an increased risk. You can relieve gout symptoms and reduce the risk of flare-ups.

Causes of Gout

• Uric acid is naturally produced by the body and used to break down purines -- another naturally-occurring substance found in certain foods as well as the human body. Under normal circumstances, the uric acid produced in your body passes through the kidneys and exits the body through the urine, or it dissolves in the blood. If your kidneys pass too little uric acid through to the urine or your body produces too much, the resulting buildup accumulates in the joints as tiny urate crystals that are sharp as needles.

Symptoms of Gout

• Gout is characterized by inflammation, redness and pain. The symptoms often start in the big toe and can leave the toe joints feeling as if they're on fire. When you place your hand on the affected area, it will feel hot to the touch. Should a gout attack occur while you sleep, the affected joints can become so tender that even the weight of your bed linens can cause pain. Although it takes eight to 12 hours for an attack to develop, gout symptoms often flare-up during the night or early morning and can catch you unaware. In addition to the pain, swelling and burning sensation, your skin can become red, tight and may crack and peel after a few days. Flu-like symptoms can also occur during a gout attack.

Medication for Relief From Symptoms

• The pain and inflammation you suffer during an acute gout attack grossly affects your ability to participate in and enjoy daily activities. Certain over-the-counter and prescription drugs can relieve pain and inflammation to reduce or eliminate future flare-ups. Steroidal and nonsteroidal treatments are both used, depending on your specific needs. Corticosteroids can be prescribed in pill or injection form to relieve pain and inflammation, and are generally used only if you do not find relief from over-the-counter medications such as naproxen and ibuprofen. If over-the-counter nonsteroidal medication isn't effective, prescription versions are also available.

Lifestyle Changes for Symptom Relief

• You should consume between 1/2 and 1 gallon of liquids each day to keep your body hydrated and help flush out uric acid. At least half that amount should be water, and you should avoid alcohol because it tends to dehydrate the body. It's also important to consume a diet that's low in purines, which are commonly found in organ meat, sardines, mackerel, wheat bran and dried legumes, among other foods.

Alternative Medicine Remedies

• Drinking coffee, taking vitamin C supplements and eating cherries are all reported to help reduce uric acid levels. Discuss these alternative medicine options with your doctor first; he may recommend their use in conjunction with other treatments. During a painful attack, relaxation and deep breathing methods can help take your mind off the pain.