- If you need fast relief from the pain caused by gout, try taking an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, such as Advil or Aleve or a generic equivalent. These drugs relieve the pain-causing inflammation caused by gout. Among the side effects of using NSAIDs are the possibility of stomach bleeding, ulcers and stomach pain. Most people will experience some relief when using NSAIDs, but if they aren't working for you, speak with your doctor about a prescription-strength anti-inflammatory.
- Some people who suffer from gout soak in a hot ginger bath to get some relief from the pain. To make a ginger bath, simply add a third of a cup of ground ginger to a hot bath and soak for about 30 minutes. This will make you sweat, which helps the body eliminate the uric acid build-up. Just be sure to rinse with clean water after soaking so your skin does not become irritated by the ginger. You can also try dissolving two cups of Epsom salt in a hot bath and soaking until the water is no longer warm.
- Cherries can lower the level of uric acid in your body, which can help both treat and prevent gout symptoms. Drinking a glass of cherry juice or eating between 10 and 15 cherries a day can help lessen the duration of a gout attack and possibly provide relief from symptoms. Other dark-colored berries, such as raspberries, blueberries and blackberries, can have a similar effect.
- One of the best ways to treat gout is to prevent having an attack in the first place. One way to do that is to follow a low-purine diet. Purines are a protein that occur naturally in some foods that cause uric acid levels in the body to increase. High-purine foods include organ meats, game meats, sweetbreads and fish such as herring, mackerel and sardines. These foods, along with beer and wine, should be avoided if you are prone to gout. Instead, choose protein sources such as lean red meat, poultry and freshwater fish.
