How to Treat Gout: 7 Things You Can Do to Relieve Your Gout Flare-up

What is Gout?

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that usually affects one joint at a time, most commonly the big toe, according to the Mayo Clinic. They note that it is caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint, which can lead to sudden and severe pain, swelling, and redness.

Causes and Risk Factors

Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood, which can form crystals in the joints, according to the Mayo Clinic. They note that several factors can increase your risk of developing gout, including:

• Genetics
• Diets high in red meat, seafood, and alcohol
• Certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease
• Some medications, such as diuretics

Symptoms

The symptoms of gout usually come on suddenly and can be very painful, according to the Mayo Clinic. They may include:

• Sudden and severe pain in one joint (most commonly the big toe)
• Swelling and redness in the affected joint
• Warmth and stiffness in the affected joint
• Limited ability to move the affected joint

What to do For Gout Flare-Ups at Home

While medication is sometimes necessary to manage gout, there are also several things you can do at home to help alleviate symptoms and prevent future flare-ups.

1. Rest and Elevation

During a gout flare-up, it's important to rest the affected joint as much as possible, according to Healthline. Elevating the joint can also help to reduce swelling and discomfort. They recommend that you try propping up your foot or hand on a few pillows while you relax.

2. Ice and Heat Therapy

Applying ice to the affected joint can help to reduce inflammation and pain, according to Healthline. They note that you can try wrapping an ice pack in a towel and applying it to the joint for 20-30 minutes at a time, several times a day. Heat can help improve blood flow and promote healing, so Healthline recommends switching between ice and heat for the most benefits.

3. Over-The-Counter Pain Relief

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help to reduce pain and inflammation during a gout flare-up, according to Healthline. Be sure to follow the recommended dosage instructions and check with your doctor if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

4. Dietary Modifications

Certain foods can trigger gout flare-ups or make symptoms worse, according to Healthline. During a flare-up, it's important to avoid high-purine foods like red meat, organ meats, and seafood. Instead, focus on eating low-purine foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Alcohol can also make a flare-up worse. The Mayo Clinic recommends that you limit or avoid alcohol if you have gout.

5. Drinking Coffee

Healthline notes that there is some limited evidence of people finding relief from gout by drinking coffee. You should not exceed the daily limit for caffeine, which is 400 milligrams (mg) per day, according to the Mayo Clinic. This is roughly around 4 cups of brewed coffee or 2 standard-sized energy drinks. Always check the label to see how much caffeine is in your drink. If you have any medical conditions, the Mayo Clinic recommends checking with your doctor first.

6. Drinking Lemon Water

There is some anecdotal evidence that drinking lemon water may help gout symptoms during a flare-up, according to Healthline. If you like lemons, they recommend slicing half a lemon and putting the slices in a glass of water.

7. Avoiding Foods High in Purine

Foods that are high in purine are known to cause gout and gout flare-ups, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you’re having a gout flare-up, the Mayo Clinic suggests that you avoid the following foods:

• Bacon
• Turkey
• Veal
• Venison
• Organ meats, such as liver
• Anchovies
• Sardines
• Mussels
• Herring
• Cod
• Haddock
• Trout
• Scallops

Medications for Gout

If you are experiencing a gout attack, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can help relieve the pain and inflammation, according to Healthline. Colchicine is another medication that can be used to treat gout attacks, according to the Mayo Clinic. They note that it is available by prescription only and works by reducing the inflammation and pain associated with gout.

If you have chronic gout, your doctor may prescribe medications to lower the levels of uric acid in your blood, according to the Mayo Clinic. These medications can work by either reducing the production of uric acid or increasing the elimination of uric acid from your body.

In addition to medication, there are also lifestyle changes you can make to help manage gout. The Mayo Clinic notes that maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding foods high in purines (such as red meat and seafood), and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, are all important.

When to Seek Urgent Care for Gout

While most gout attacks can be treated at home, according to Healthline, there are times when you should seek medical help. This includes particularly severe flare-ups, and flare-ups that do not get better. The Mayo Clinic recommends getting medical attention if you experience:

• Sudden and intense joint pain
• Fever
• A joint that is swollen, hot, and inflamed

Preventing Gout

Making dietary changes can help prevent gout attacks. You should avoid foods that are high in purines (such as red meat, organ meats, and seafood). Instead, focus on eating low-purine foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. You should also limit your intake of high-fructose corn syrup, which is found in many processed foods.

Hydration

Staying hydrated is important for preventing gout attacks, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is also a good idea to limit your intake of sugary drinks, such as soda, which they note can increase your risk of gout.

Weight Management and Exercise

If you are overweight, losing weight can help reduce your risk of gout, according to the Mayo Clinic. Regular exercise can also help prevent gout attacks, by helping to reduce uric acid build-up. Avoid intense exercise, such as running, which can be hard on your gout-affected joints. Instead, the Mayo Clinic recommends that you opt for low-impact exercise like walking or swimming.

Alcohol and Gout

Drinking alcohol can increase your risk of gout attacks, according to the Mayo Clinic. They recommend that you limit your intake of alcohol, especially beer (which is high in purines) if you have gout.

Key Takeaways

Gout is a form of arthritis that affects the joints (especially the big toe). There are several things you can do to reduce your chances of having a gout flare-up, including reducing your intake of high-purine foods and alcohol, as well as maintaining a healthy weight, staying hydrated, and getting regular exercise. If you do have a gout flare-up, here are some home remedies that can help:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids.
• Avoid foods high in purines, such as red meat, seafood, and alcohol.
• Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.
• Use ice packs or cold compresses to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Elevate the affected joint to reduce swelling.
• Alternate ice and heat on the affected joints.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as directed.
• Consider using natural remedies, such as drinking lemon water and coffee.

Gout can lead to more severe complications, like recurrent flare-ups and kidney stones, so it is important to treat your gout seriously. Some prescription medications can help if lifestyle changes are not enough.