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Gout Pain Remedy

Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs because of a buildup of uric acid in the blood. When gout develops, people will suffer from red, swollen, painful joints. Gout can develop in any joint, but is most common in the big toe. Gout often strikes in the middle of the night, making sleep very difficult. Uric acid is normally dissolved in the blood, but it can build up and cause gout when the body makes too much of it or the kidneys are not eliminating enough from the body. Eating a diet rich in purines can also cause gout.

  1. OTC Drugs

    • Several over-the-counter medications can be used to help relieve the pain caused by gout. The best option is typically nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS. Common examples of over-the-counter NSAIDs include Advil, Aleve and Motrin or the generic drugs ibuprofen and naoproxen. NSAIDs work by reducing inflammation, which will in turn reduce some of the joint pain caused by gout. The risks of taking NSAIDs include stomach pain, ulcers and bleeding. Be sure to speak with your doctor before using NSAIDs to treat gout.

    Prescription Medications

    • For people who are not getting any relief from over-the-counter NSAIDs, prescription-strength drugs are also available. These drugs work in the same way as their over-the-counter counterparts, but because they are stronger than may be more helpful in providing pain relief. Other prescription drug options for treating gout pain include steroids, such as prednisone and colchicine. Both are effective at reducing the inflammation and pain from gout, but because of the possibility of experiencing severe side effects they are generally reserved for use only in people who cannot take NSAIDs.

    Diet

    • Following the gout diet can help prevent future gout flare-ups and also alleviate the pain and inflammation from a gout attack. First, people with gout should drink plenty of fluids to help flush the uric acid from the body. Gout sufferers should also follow a diet that helps eliminate purines, which can cause the condition. Purines are a natural substance produced in the body and found in many food sources. They are typically broken down into uric acid, so eliminating them from your diet can help prevent gout. High-purine foods include red meat and seafood and alcoholic beverages, especially beer.

    Home Remedies

    • Some people with gout prefer to treat the pain without taking any drugs. One of the most common methods is soaking the affected joints in a ginger bath to help sweat out the uric acid. To make a ginger bath, simply add a third of a cup of ground ginger to a hot bath and soak for 30 minutes. Be sure to wash the area thoroughly after soaking. Another common home remedy for gout is adding the juice from half of a lemon to a glass of water and drinking it three times a day.

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