If you have ever had a Gout attack then you know that the pain associated with this condition can be excruciating. In fact, a severe Gout attack can leave you bedridden for a period of time. Therefore, you must learn what to do when it comes to Gout pain. Read on for help with the pain associated with Gout.
Gout is an inflammatory disease. When you suffer from pain due to inflammation, it only makes sense to take an anti-inflammatory medication to ease the discomfort. These may be purchased over the counter, or you can get them with a prescription. You should only take these medications as directed and just for the length of time needed to relieve the Gout pain. Long term use of anti-inflammatory drugs can lead to other health problems such as kidney disease or stomach ulcers.
Relieving Gout pain does not always mean you should take a pill. There are other things you can do. The following list will give you a few suggestions on relieving Gout pain:
- Apply ice. Put a cold pack or a plastic bag filled with ice on the inflamed joint. You should wrap the ice pack in a towel to avoid the direct contact with ice because this can be very uncomfortable, and it can also damage the skin. Ice is great for reducing inflammation, swelling and the associated pain.
- Soak in Epsom salt. This salt has been used for centuries to cure all types of ailments. Your grandparents may have used it as a laxative or a bath salt. Epsom salt contains magnesium, which can help flush the toxins and uric acid from your body. It also has a tremendous soothing effect on the body. Pour a cup or two of Epsom salts into a warm basin and soak the affected joint for about 20 minutes. You can repeat this soak twice or thrice per day for effective Gout pain relief.
- Drink ample water. This could be one of the simplest cures for Gout pain. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water per day will help to flush the uric acid from your body and relieve the pain of Gout. Once the Gout attack is over, continue drinking adequate amounts of water daily to maintain good health and possibly prevent future Gout attacks.
- Consume cherries and strawberries. The fruits have been proven to help relieve Gout pain. They contain natural substances that will reduce uric acid levels and help to relieve your Gout pain. Fresh strawberries and cherries are the best if you can find them.
- Apple cider vinegar is another remedy that has been used for hundreds of years to get rid of Gout pain. You can mix 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in one cup of water and drink daily. If you need immediate relief from the pain of Gout, you should soak the affected joint in apple cider vinegar and water.
- Increase your consumption of green leafy vegetables and fruits. These types of food contain vitamin C, which is great for reducing inflammation and pain in the joints. Getting them fresh is the best and buying organic is even better. Let these fresh fruits and vegetables make a large portion of your meals.
Relieving Gout pain is probably your first priority. However, once the Gout attack is over, it is important that you examine the specific cause of Gout and take the necessary steps to avoid future attacks. This may mean losing weight, cutting back on your consumption of red meats, and talking with your doctor about possible changes in your prescription medications.
Gout pain can be one of the worst pains you will ever experience in your lifetime. But you can find relief by using some of the cures for Gout pain listed above. If one does not prove to be efficacious for you, try another one. Every person is different so you may need to experiment with a few to find the best of all cures for Gout pain.
{ 216 comments }
