Learn about Gout Pain Treatment Options
Gout and its Cause
Gout is the oldest form of arthritis in which the first attack may occur in the joint of the big toe for most people. Men are vulnerable to suffer from gout owing to higher uric acid levels in the blood than women. Gout results from an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints.
Legumes, beans, asparagus, anchovies, herring, sardines, shellfish, and organ meats are foods containing purines. After you eat them, the breakdown of purines will result in uric acid, which usually dissolves and passes through the kidneys into the urine. Once your body has generated too much uric acid, or the kidneys cannot break it down quickly, the excessive acid (hyperuricemia) will result in needle-like crystals. These crystals build in the joints leading to joint swelling, severe pain, stiffness, and damage to the affected joints. This condition is known as gout.
Symptoms
Once it occurs, signs and symptoms will be unbearably painful within the first 12 to 24 hours. Below are some of them:
• Severe joint pain in your wrists, ankles, hands, feet, or knees. The affected areas feel warm and hot. This disease can affect the big toe known as podagra
• Swollen, inflamed, and red joints in the affected areas
• Irritated and peeling skin
• High fever
• Limited movement in the affected joint
• Worsening pain at night
• First appearance as tophi (nodules) in the hands, elbows, or ears
• Gradual disappearance of symptoms after one week or two
Treatments
You can find efficacious gout pain treatment to ease the pain including home remedies, physical therapies, and medical treatments.
Consume antioxidant foods
You can treat gout by consuming tomatoes, blueberries, cherries, bell peppers, and squash. They contain antioxidants and help promote a low fructose diet, which is very beneficial to prevent gout attacks. It is recommended that you consume 8 to 16 oz of cherry juice every day.
Consume Omega-3 fatty acids
If you are deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids, this condition can exacerbate the pain and inflammation. Therefore, eating coldwater fish like halibut and salmon is highly recommended. You can also take 1 tablespoon or 1-2 capsules of fish oil to reduce the pain.
Consume vitamin C
Vitamin C intake is significant to decrease the possibility of gout. It is recommended consuming 500 to 1,000 mg of vitamin C each day to prevent gout attacks.
Drink large amounts of filtered water
You can drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of filtered water each day to dissolve more uric acid in the body. This simple therapy is very effective to alleviate the pain and swelling. A gout attack can result from dehydration.
Do some workouts moderately
To make the muscles stronger around the joint, you can raise your limb up and down several times moderately at least 30 minutes a day. You must avoid hard workout because you should keep the joint secure.
Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
These medications can help reduce pain and inflammation. However, you have to be aware of side effects including bleeding, stomachache, and ulcers. Keep in mind you avoid taking aspirin because it can alter uric acid levels.
References
MayoClinic.com: Gout: Treatments and Drugs - https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gout/DS00090/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
WebMD.com: Gout – Home Treatment - https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/gout-home-treatment
University of Maryland Medical Center: Gout - https://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/gout-000070.htm
Medical News Today: What is Gout? What Causes Gout? - https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/144827.php
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of the National Library of Medicine
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