Gout is a painful and sudden illness that can affect joints. It is caused by the accumulation of excess uric acid, which is normally removed through the urine. The crystals of uric acid can then accumulate in joints and cause inflammation and pain. Often patients are not able to get to their healthcare provider right away. If it is a first attack the symptoms can be alarming. Fortunately, it is rarely life threatening and often resolves in a few days even without treatment. However everyone who gets an attack should see their healthcare provider since there are many excellent treatments available. But what can one do while at home?
The home remedy can include NSAID\’s but you may want to get a diagnosis first since other conditions can cause joint swelling including other forms of arthritis such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Sometimes a joint infection can also look like gout especially if it is hot and red and swollen. If it is quite clear that it is gout, especially if it has affected a joint before, local ice and heat may be applied if comfortable. Taking an NSAID will help as long as the side effects are kept in mind which include stomach ulcer formation and at times high blood pressure. Some examples of NSAIDs are ibuprofen, naproxen and indomethacin.
Recent research has shown that vitamin C lowers uric acid level but whether this means something in patients with gout is not clear.
Avoiding medication that cause gout such as diuretics or “water pills” or adjusting doses after discussing with the healthcare provider can also help.
Decreasing the intake of alcohol is also helpful since alcohol affects the elimination of uric acid. Although the effect of foods that cause gout is only small it must not be forgotten. Meat and seafood are common causes of gout if taken in excess.
