Are There Home Remedies for Gout?

If you’ve ever had a gout attack, you know the searing pain it triggers that can stop you in your tracks. This form of inflammatory arthritis is marked by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, and redness in the joints, most often affecting the big toe. 

It’s wise for patients with gout to work with an arthritis specialist to get symptoms under control and manage gout effectively. Here at Comprehensive Arthritis Care, board-certified rheumatologist Mohammad F. Ali, MD, and our board-certified physician assistants Whitney Phillips, PA-C, and Ari Hardin, PA-C, are dedicated to helping rheumatic patients manage their disease, and enjoy a high quality of life.  

Patients with gout have high uric acid levels in the blood, and this causes sharp crystals to form in and around the joints. Many patients with gout describe the attacks as extremely painful and debilitating. 

While medical management is essential to treat and prevent future gout attacks, there are several steps you can take to relieve symptoms and reduce flare-ups. Keep reading to learn effective self-care strategies. 

Stay hydrated

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to manage gout is to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps flush uric acid from the body, and lowers the risk of crystals forming in your joints. Keeping well-hydrated dilutes uric acid and protects against flares. It’s especially important to boost your water intake during a flare. 

Make some changes to your diet

Diet plays a major role in managing gout. Foods high in purines, such as red meat, seafood, and organ meats, can dramatically raise uric acid levels, while sugary beverages and alcohol (especially beer) can also trigger flare-ups. 

To help control gout symptoms, incorporate low-purine foods into your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Cherries, in particular, have been shown to reduce uric acid levels, and they make a tasty addition to your diet.

Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight can increase how much uric acid your body produces and put extra stress on your joints. Losing weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce uric acid levels and relieve the pressure on your joints. However, avoid rapid weight loss, as this can temporarily raise uric acid levels and worsen gout symptoms.

Apply ice and elevate the affected joint

During a gout attack, applying ice to the affected joint can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Wrap an ice pack in a thin towel, and apply it to your joint for about 20 minutes, several times a day. Additionally, try to keep the affected joint elevated above your heart level to reduce swelling.

Use over-the-counter pain relievers sparingly

When you need immediate pain relief during a gout attack, over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can be effective. However, these medications are not designed for regular use. NSAIDs have a negative impact on kidney health when taken regularly, so use sparingly. Patients with kidney disease, and any other contraindications, need to avoid NSAIDs altogether. 

Collaborate with a rheumatology professional

While home remedies can be helpful in managing mild gout symptoms and reducing how often attacks occur, they aren’t a substitute for professional medical management. Unmanaged gout can lead to serious complications, including permanent joint damage and kidney problems. 

It’s essential to work with a health care provider who can prescribe medications to control uric acid levels and monitor your overall health. Our team can also help you develop a personalized gout management plan that includes both medical treatments and lifestyle modifications. 

This comprehensive approach addresses the underlying causes of gout, and controls your symptoms.

Our team at Comprehensive Arthritis Care works closely with you to create a complete management plan tailored to your specific needs. For more information, and for all of your gout management needs, contact our Hendersonville, Tennessee, office to request an appointment. With the right support and lifestyle changes, you can minimize gout's impact on your life and boost your overall health and well-being.