How to Heal Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis categorized by sudden acute pain in the extremities. The condition can affect anyone, but it is more common in men than in women. Gout normally occurs in the joint of the big toe, but it can also cause pain in the feet, ankles, hands or wrists. Pain lasts several days, so treatment is necessary to control the condition. Additionally, prevention through diet and medication helps gout sufferers.
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Instructions
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Use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This treatment is found over-the-counter in name brand medications such as Advil and Aleve. Prescriptions with higher doses are also available from doctors. Anti-inflammatory medications reduce the pain and swelling in the joint area.
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Use Colchicine. This medication is normally used for patients who are allergic to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. This is a drug that needs a prescription from a doctor.
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Receive injections of steroids. Steroid injections into the site of inflammation are a quicker, direct form of medication. This drug therapy is used when other medications cause allergic reactions in patients. The most common steroid medication used for gout is prednisone.
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Prevent future attacks through proper diet. A gout diet involves lowering the intake of purine nucleic acids. Reduction of seafood, alcohol and fatty acids in the diet will lower the pain and frequency of gout attacks. Additionally, eating more complex carbohydrates like whole grains lowers the risk of gout.
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Ask your doctor for medication for prevention. Removal of uric acid for gout patients is important to lower inflammation. Medications like Zyloprim and Aloprim lower the amount of uric acid in the body, reducing the likelihood of gout attacks. Improving the kidneys' function of uric acid removal is also good for gout patients. Doctors may prescribe medications such as Probenecid to prevent gout.
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