Treatment for Gout

Arthritis is a disease that causes inflammation in body joints. There are various forms of arthritis and gout is one of them. It mostly affects the big toe joint but other joints that may get affected by gout include knee, ankle, wrist and elbow. Men are more susceptible to this disease as compared to women. Gout in women occurs after menopause. Treatment for gout largely depends on the age, health condition and medical history of the patient.

Causes and Symptoms of Gout
Gout occurs when there is rise in uric acid levels in blood. Basically, uric acid is a waste product of the body which is formed when the body breaks down a chemical named purine. In normal condition, the uric acid is found in dissolved state in the blood and is excreted through the kidneys. When the level of uric acid is too high, hard crystals of uric acid are formed which get deposited in the body joints and tissues. This results in inflammation in these areas. High protein foods contain high amount of purines. Therefore, excessive consumption of such food can trigger gout. Other gout causes include kidney problems, injury, excessive body weight, alcohol abuse, side effects of medicines or any other underlying health problem.

Typically, gout symptoms are experienced suddenly in the middle of the night. Most patients complain about an excruciating pain of big toe. The affected joint is hot, tender to touch and appears red and swollen. In acute gout cases, these symptoms may last for 5 to 10 days. This gout attack often recurs after a gap of every few months or years. However, in chronic cases, joint pain, swelling and stiffness persists. Sores often develop at the site of uric acid build up that secretes white pus, at times. In such condition, the range of motion of the joint gets badly affected.

Medicinal Treatment of Gout
Gout is diagnosed with the help of its symptoms, physical examination of the joint and blood test. In chronic cases, x-rays are conducted to check the extent of damage to the joint. Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are most commonly used for the treatment of gout pain. Another oral medicine colchicine is also prescribed for this purpose. In more severe cases, corticosteroid medicines are used for treatment. It can be taken orally in the form of pills or it can be injected directly into the gout affected joint. Other gout medications are allopurinol and probenecid. While allopurinol helps to keep the uric acid production in check and probenecid ensures faster removal of uric acid from the body through urine. These medicines that are given for gout treatment have adverse side effects. Hence, they should not be continued for long period of time. As acute gout symptoms subside, one should opt for natural means to treat the condition.

Natural Treatment for Gout
Natural gout treatment mainly involves change in diet and lifestyle in order to bring about improvement in the condition. A few such gout remedies are given below:

Foods to Eat
There are some foods which when taken regularly, can lower the frequency of gout attacks. Vitamin C present in citrus fruits, green vegetables, Indian gooseberry plays a major role in reducing inflammation caused by gout. Natural component of banana facilitates faster elimination of the uric acid deposits. Vegetable juices such as carrot juice and cucumber juice are good for this condition.

Foods to Avoid
Purine rich foods are bad for those who have gout. Hence they should be avoided. They are - lean meats, organ meat such as kidney or liver, shellfish, creamy sauce, dried peas, alcohol, etc.

Water
When you are suffering from gout, you must drink 8 to 10 glasses of water to get faster relief from gout symptoms. This is possible because water flushes out the toxic uric acid from the body bringing it back to normal level.

Exercises
There are some stretching exercises that focus on the specific joint which has been affected and reduce its pain. When done regularly the joint and the muscles become flexible and its mobility improves.

Home Treatment for Gout
There are some naturally occurring substances that are easily available in our homes and can be used for gout pain relief. Some popular gout home remedies are as follows:

Epsom Salt
For the treatment for gout in foot, Epsom salt foot bath is highly effective. Take some warm water in a large container, add about two cups of Epsom salt into it and soak your toe and foot into it. This should be done twice a day to obtain a soothing relief from the pain.

Mustard Seeds
Take some mustard seeds and ground them to make a fine powder. Prepare a thick paste by mixing up equal quantities of mustard powder, wheat powder and some water. Apply it over the painful joint and leave it overnight.

Castor Oil
One of the most popular home remedies for gout is castor oil pack. Take a piece of white flannel cloth and soak it thoroughly into warm castor oil. Place it over the painful joint and wrap the area with plastic. Then apply heat on it with the help of heating pads.

Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar
When you are experiencing severe pain due to gout, mix equal quantities of honey and apple cider vinegar and take this mixture orally. You will find that the pain subsides in a matter of few hours. This should be taken two times daily for gout cure and relief.

If the treatment for gout starts early then it can ensure faster recovery from the disease. Any further deposition of uric acid build up can also be prevented. To decrease the frequency of gout attack, you have to stay away from foods that are rich in purines, drink plenty of water, maintain healthy body weight and lead a stress free life.