Gout Pain Relief: Understanding and Fast Treatment Options

Gout, another form of arthritis, occurs when elevated levels of uric acid in the blood crystallize and settle in the joints, causing inflammation and severe pain. Gout occurs most often in older men and is typically felt in the ankle or big toe, although it is also sometimes found in the knee, wrist, or hand. A suspected case of gout should always be looked at and treated by a doctor.

Instructions

• 1

  Act as quickly as possible and contact your doctor if you think you may be experiencing a gout attack. He can prescribe an anti-inflammatory agent called Colchicine, which can prevent recurrent attacks but is most effective within the first 12 hours of the onset of symptoms.

• 2

  Keep the affected joint as bare as possible; do not even put it under the covers at night. Avoid using it as much as possible.

• 3

  Take regular doses of ibuprofen or naproxen, or another anti-inflammatory drug for the duration of the attack.

• 4

  Stop taking aspirin if you are on an aspirin regimen. Aspirin will actually delay pain relief by slowing down the uric acid elimination process.

• 5

  Request a corticosteroid injection for the affected joint from your doctor. This should help with the initial pain.

• 6

  Avoid alcohol, but drink plenty of water to help reduce uric acid levels in the blood.