How to Naturally Treat Gout

Uric Acid buildup in toe joint causes Gout pain

Gout is a form of arthritis, sometimes referred to as gouty arthritis that occurs usually in the joint of the big toe, but can also occur in the ankles, knees, elbows, thumbs, or fingers. An onset of gout usually tends to come on in the middle of the night and is brought on by a build up of uric acid that forms into crystals in the affected joint. The pain is quite extreme; each time my husband has an onset of gout the pain is so intense the he swears it feels like his toe is broken.

Instructions

1. RECOGNIZE THE SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES OF GOUT
   The symptoms of gout come on suddenly and unexpectedly during the night bringing on intense pain in a joint, most typically in the big toe. The affected joint will be swollen and create a very hot feeling. These occurrences typically do not last for more than one week, but a week in this kind of discomfort is difficult to tolerate.

   Gout mostly occurs in middle-aged men who often have a hereditary predisposition to the ailment. The uric acid crystals that build up and lead to gout come from excessive uric acid in the blood that is not eliminated through the body's natural filtering process. Certain foods will increase uric acids while others tend to break the uric acids down.

   If you are certain that you are experiencing gout, read on. However, if you are unsure that your condition is related to gout, then you should get verification from a health care professional.

2. 

   LOWER THE PAIN AND INFLAMMATION OF GOUT
   The very first thing you'll most likely want to do when an onset of gout occurs is to lower the pain and inflammation. Some ways to decrease inflammation which results in lowering pain include:
   -Apply a cold compress or an ice pack to the affected joint.
   -Keep fabrics and other items that cause pressure off of the affected joint.
   -Take ibuprofen or other anti-flammatory agents. However, acetaminophen may not help much and using aspirin can slow the elimination of uric acid.

3. 

   COMBAT URIC ACID WITH THESE FOODS
   Eat foods that help suppress the immediate symptoms of gout which reduce uric acid levels including complex carbohydrates, such as bran, oatmeal, pasta, potatoes, bread, whole grain cereal, corn, peas, beans, lentils; fruit, and leafy green vegetables. Also, eating fresh or canned cherries, strawberries, blueberries and other red-blue berries, as well as drinking cherry juice show favorable results in treating gout.

   Drink plenty of clear fluids, fruit juices, herbal teas (unless you're taking colchicine) or water to help flush out uric acid.

   Taking activated charcoal stimulates uric acid elimination. Follow directions or refer to a health care professional for use.

4. 

   WATCH OUT FOR THESE GOUT PRODUCING FOODS
   Stay away from foods that produce uric acid. Gout producing foods include high protein animal foods; especially red meats and organ meats; meat extracts and animal fats; yeast and enzyme- producing products; mincemeat; sweetbread; shellfish, sardines, herring and anchovies.

   Also moderate your intake of alcohol and keep your weight and blood pressure within recommended healthy ranges. Don't skip meals in order to lose weight, as fasting releases more uric acid into the body.

5. 

   USE ACUPRESSURE TO RELIEVE GOUT IN THE TOE
   There are points around the toe that will help relieve the pain of gout. These points to apply pressure to are the spot in between the big toe and second toe, right at the base of the big toe (Liver 2); one on the outside of the big toe on the bottom outer edge of the foot (Spleen 3); one on the center of the top of the instep (Stomach 45); if the pain is bearable, there are also two points at the back corners of the big toenail. Refer to the photo as a visual aid to these pressure points. Firmly apply pressure to each of these points for 60 seconds.

Tips & Warnings

• See a doctor if the joint pain recurs, progresses or lasts more than a few days, especially if symptoms include chills or fever.

• This article is meant for informational purposes and is not intended to replace medical care by a health care professional.