Home Remedies For Gout Pain And Swelling by Senait Difeo

Home Remedies For Gout Pain And Swelling

Gout is a form of arthritis that develops when too much uric acid builds up in the blood and causes inflammation, redness and pain in the joints. It can develop in any joint, but it usually starts in the big toe and feet. Normally, uric acid is flushed out of the body, but in some cases the body may begin making too much or may not be as efficient as it once was at removing it. Drugs are available to treat and prevent the condition, but there are some things you can do at home when gout strikes. Have a question? Get an answer from a Medical Professional now! Soaking Baths A good idea for treating gout at home is a soaking bath. Try adding a third of a cup of ground ginger to hot water and soaking your feet or affected joints for about a half-hour. This will cause you to sweat, which will help your body eliminate uric acid buildup and relieve gout symptoms. Just be sure to thoroughly rinse your skin afterward to prevent irritation. You can also try an Epsom salt bath. Add two cups of Epsom salt to hot water and soak until the water is no longer warm to treat gout flare-ups. Gout Diet Eating a diet high in purines, a protein that occurs naturally in some food sources, can also contribute to gout. To treat symptoms and prevent attacks, it's best to adopt a low-purine diet. First, eliminate foods high in purines, such as sweetbreads, organ meats, game meats and seafood such as herring, mackerel, sardines and scallops. Other meat sources, such poultry, meat, fish and seafood, also contain purines, along with legumes and whole-grain breads, and consumption should be limited. Good food sources for people with gout include most fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and breads and cereals. Alcoholic beverages, especially beer, are also high in purines and should be avoided. Pain Relief Common over-the-counter pain relievers can provide some quick relief from the pain and swelling of gout. Try a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Advil and Aleve are both NSAIDs and should help gout sufferers. Other pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can also be used. If you try over-the-counter drugs and are still in pain, you can speak with your doctor about prescription-strength pain relievers. Cherries and Berries

Cherries and other dark berries, such as blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, can help lower uric acid levels in the body and may be useful in treating gout. Either eating these fruits or drinking cherry juice can be beneficial for people who suffer from gout. However, to be useful, these foods have to be consumed regularly---at least daily.