What Can Relieve Gout Pain?
Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by sudden intense joint pain, most commonly felt in the big toe, but it can also be felt in the knee, wrist and ankle. Gout can affect anyone but men or more likely to be affected. Gout pain is treatable with diet change, medications and supplements.
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Cause
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Gout is caused by an increase in the amount of uric acid that becomes deposited as crystals in joints, kidneys, tendons and other tissues. The increase in uric acid is brought on by too much uric acid in the system or not enough excretion of uric acid through the kidneys.
Diet
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Cherries Eating complex carbohydrates and increasing clear fluids can reduce gout pain; they help by flushing out uric acid from the kidneys. Eating up to 8 oz. of fresh or canned cherries each day can also help lower uric acid.
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NSAIDs
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain from a gout attack. These can be over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen; your doctor may prescribe a more powerful NSAID.
Folic Acid
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Folic acid is recommended as it can inhibit the enzyme responsible for producing uric acid. The recommended dosage is 10 to 40 mg taken daily.
Flaxseed Oil
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Flaxseed oil is recommended as it can prevent tissue damage from uric acid. The recommended dosage is 1 tbsp. daily.
Probenecid or Allopurinol
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Probenecid or allopurinol are medications that can be prescribed, both can lower uric acid levels.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Gordana Adamovic-Mladenovic
