Over-the-Counter Gout Treatment

Gout is a very painful disease caused due to uric acid deposition in blood. Uric acid is usually excreted in the urine. However, in people suffering from this disease, uric acid is not excreted in normal amounts. Oftentimes, their bodies produce too much of uric acid so that it becomes difficult to excrete it completely. As a result, uric acid level in the blood increases too much. This uric acid then transforms into long, needle shaped crystals and gets deposited in the joints of the body. Usually, uric acid deposition takes place in a single joint in the body and more often than not, that joint is big toe. Gout is a very painful condition which occurs in bouts. Each gout attack is characterized by inflammation of the joint and excruciating pain. These symptoms can be eased with the help of certain OTC medications.

Over-the-Counter Gout Treatment

Gout treatment available over-the-counter is effective only for relieving the symptoms. These medications do not cure or improve the condition of gout. Over-the-counter pain killers such as ibuprofen and aspirin are often considered as treatment options. Ibuprofen can effectively reduce inflammation of the joint. However, aspirin is known to worsen the condition of gout, hence, one should stay away from aspirin. During the onset of the disease, non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are often recommended. Motrin is the most popular non steroidal anti-inflammatory gout medication. However, these medications may not go down well with all gout patients. In such patients steroid medications can prove to be helpful. These medications are either injected or administered orally to the patients.

Prescription powered medications are more effective than OTC treatments. Colchicine is by far the most effective remedy for gout symptoms. This medication is to be taken in multiple small doses per day. However, some people may develop certain undesirable side effects such as nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, etc. Since, colchicine is very effective in relieving pain and swelling, it is not desirable to stop the medicine completely. Instead, you can reduce the daily dosage, so as to minimize the side effects. It should be taken during the first two days of the attack and continue its small dosage even after the attack. In any case, it is best to consult your doctor first.

Allopurinol (Lopurin, Zurinol, Zyloprim) is yet another medication which proves to be effective in treating gout. Allopurinol reduces the level of uric acid in the blood, thereby reducing the stress on the kidneys to flush out the uric acid. Hence, this medication is very much useful for people suffering from kidney disorders. Side effects of this medication include skin rash and upset stomach. If gout medication side effects happen to be too severe or if there is an incidence of hives, itching, etc., do not hesitate to call your doctor immediately.

Best Gout Treatment

Most of the over-the-counter as well as prescription gout medications cause some or other kind of side effect. Hence, it is best to rely upon natural remedies for gout. A special gout diet which consists of purine free foods is the most effective way of keeping uric acid levels in the blood under check. Drinking lots of water also helps to minimize the risk of gout attacks. Those who have a history of gout in their families, should take preventive measures from the beginning itself. Taking calcium supplements also helps to reduce the occurrence of gout attack.

Thus, over-the-counter gout treatments should only be sought in case of unbearable symptoms. Otherwise, natural treatments are your best bet when it comes to dealing with this disease.