Have you ever felt your big toe being grilled on fire in the middle of the night? Then questioned yourself, “did I hurt myself yesterday?” I am sure you must have experienced a lot of these things. However, it might not always be a simple minor case. But guess what? You probably faced a gout attack!
Now you must be wondering what this gout is and how it attacks you. Well, don’t worry, here it is all to help you know what gout is, symptoms of gout and home remedies for gout.
What is Gout ?
Gout is a painful arthritis. Many people also call it as Gouty Arthritis. An acute gout attack can strike without warning signs causing unbearable pain, usually in the joint of the big toe. The pain of a gout attack can be severe.
Gout is also known as the “disease of kings” because, in bygone days people thought there was a link between wine (in the olden days kings only drank wine) and gout. But the truth is gout can affect anyone and its risk factors vary.
There are no exact causes for gout or gouty arthritis, but presence of uric acid crystals in your body is one of the major reason.
What is Uric Acid and Who is at Risk?
Uric acid (breakdown of purines produce uric acid) is a harmless chemical produced in the body, which is naturally excreted through urine and poop (stool). The body maintains the levels of uric acid, but drinking too much alcohol can lead to its accumulation.
Lack of vitamin C in your diet, taking high fructose drinks, fruits and fruit juices, can also increase your uric acid levels. A recent study found that sugar sweetened drinks a day increases the risk of a gout attack. People who are suffering from obesity, high blood pressure, kidney damage, diabetes mellitus, bone marrow disorders, lipid disorders, (especially hypertriglyceridemia), have an increased risk of developing gout.
Uric acid levels depend on age and sex. Gout if often more prone in men than in women. This is because women naturally tend to have lower uric acid levels than in men. But in some rare cases, some people with a normal level of uric acid also may have gout attacks. So you need to be cautious!
Symptoms of Gout
If you are experiencing the following symptoms, then it could be a sign of gouty arthritis symptoms.
- Intense joint pain
- Inflammation and redness in the affected area
- Sudden discomfort in joint at night
Gout Remedies and Treatment
There are two concepts essential for treating gouty arthritis. Initially, halt the inflammation and redness then go for long term recur treatment.
Home Remedies for gouty arthritis treatment
Follow these home remedies, treatment of gouty arthritis and gouty arthritis diet to ease yourself out of the discomfort and pain caused due to gouty arthritis.
- Eat foods rich in vitamin C to help lower uric acid. For example, oranges, tangerines, mandarins, red cabbage, red bell peppers, potatoes, etc. are all good to maintain uric acid levels.
- Consume fresh fruits and vegetables every day but avoid cauliflower, asparagus and mushroom.
- Avoid high-purine foods such as offal (e.g. liver), meat extracts, red meat, broth, game, poultry (e.g. turkey). You sould also avoid some vegetables (e.g. see above), fish like (e.g. mackerel), shellfish (e.g. prawns), legumes, yeast products and alcohol. The more purines you consume, the more uric acid is produced and thereby more chances of having gout.
- Drink more water and keep yourself hydrated. Avoid alcohol, high fructose drinks and juices.
- Cherries: Consume at least 20 cherries a day, more if possible. You can also drink cherry juice or eat dried cherries. Cherries have natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Use hot and cold compresses for increased circulation and pain relief.
Note: If you have calcium and vitamin d deficiency, you pain may worsen. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for a good calcium and vitamin d supplement to decrease your pain and prevent other health problems associated with a deficiency. There is other medicine for gouty arthritis.
If your pain is unbearable, use a painkiller for time being and consult your physician for proper treatment and medication. Do not delay any further.
Finally, bear in mind that there is no fast and quick cure for gout or gouty arthritis. You need to have some patience.
If you have any more questions regarding gouty arthritis, please feel free to write in the comments below. I will be more than happy to help you.
Yes thank you this information has been very well received I still have a lot of pain is massaging it OK
hello lisa, You welcome and please get yourself checked so that you can get relief of the pain in case the home remedies are not helping you.
Cold water treatment helps reduce the swelling and subsequently the pain also gets reduced. However, while the skin can come in contact with the cold water directly, ice cubes should never be placed on the skin directly.
Hi Smithy I am glad you shared a useful peace of information and you are very right in saying tat directly ice cubes should never be placed on skin it should be covered in cloth or Ice gel pad should be used while doing cold compress
Iam suffering from osteo arthritis, psoriatic arthritis n gouts. Remidies plz. Iam going for physio frm last 12yrs. Now it has worsened. Dr. Recommended to take osteotide injections daily for 18mnths. Should I go ahead ? He says it’s food for strengthening the density of bones. Mine is -2. Help
Hello Renu,
Yes, it is safe to take Osteotide injections. But, it should not be taken for more than 2 years. So, you can go ahead with your Dr.’s advice.
You can take glucosamine+msm tablets excellent for arthritis (http://www.inlifehealthcare.com/shop/glucosamine-msm-tablets/)
and fish oil omega 3 capsules. (http://www.inlifehealthcare.com/shop/fish-oil-omega3-capsules/)
Also, keep in mind following useful tips:
1. Weight reduction if overweight or obese. Attain and maintain ideal body weight. Do not undergo starvation diets (starvation increases uric acid production.)
2. Be as active as possible. Do not over exercise. (Over exertion increases uric acid production.)
3. Drink minimum 3 litres of water daily.
4. Avoid excessive intake of tea /coffee.
5. A low purine, low fat diet recommended.
6. Foods allowed: Whole grain cereals, fresh fruits, vegetables (except that listed below), low fat milk and dairy products, egg whites, thin buttermilk, clear soups, etc, to increase the fluid intake.
7. Foods to be avoided: Peas, beans, whole pulses and legumes, fermented products, bakery products or any food items made with yeast, fruits like chikoo, custard apple, cheese, butter, mayonnaise, margarine, cream of milk, fried farsan, etc, nuts and oilseeds, egg yolk, organ meats, fish and chicken, hard drinks and soft drinks.