Gout is a condition formed as a result of excess amounts of uric acid in the body caused by producing too much of this waste product or excreting too little uric acid. It can affect different joints in the body, especially the joints of your limbs, and lead to pain, inflammation, redness, and swelling. By following proper gout treatment, it will be possible for you to control the symptoms of this condition and reduce the levels of uric acid. There is also a lot of natural gout remedies that you can try to control the development of this condition.
Gout Treatment And Medications
The preliminary treatment for gout can include diet modification. Certain foods can increase the chance of developing gout and make its symptoms worse. They include foods that are high in purines. Your body will produce uric acid when it processes purines. Therefore, limiting the consumption of foods and drinks that contain purines is important for people who are suffering from gout. Some of these foods include organ meats, oily fish, game meats, etc.
Additionally, drinking alcohol can also make your gout symptoms worse. Therefore, it is better to avoid the use of alcoholic beverages to control your gout symptoms.
Medications: Different medications are used for controlling the symptoms of gout including NSAIDs like colchicine, corticosteroids, etc. They can be helpful to control the inflammation and pain caused by this condition.
Similarly, xanthine oxidase inhibitors can help to lower the uric acid levels in the body, and medications like probenecid can improve the ability of your kidneys to remove uric acid from the blood.
Alternative Methods
Apart from traditional treatment options, you can also try some alternative methods to control the gout symptoms and prevent the development of this condition. Some of them are listed below:
Herbs, Foods, And Other Supplements: Certain foods, herbs, and supplements can be helpful to alleviate your gout symptoms. Some of them are coffee, fruits rich in antioxidants, turmeric, bromelain, vitamin C.
Acupuncture: This traditional treatment can help to deal with the chronic pain caused by gout. It includes placing thin needles in certain points of your body. But when trying acupuncture, make sure to find an experienced and licensed practitioner.
Hot And Cold Compress: This technique can help to get relief from the pain, swelling, and inflammation caused by gout.
Seeking the opinion of your doctor is important before trying alternative methods. Otherwise, your condition can become worse. It is important to take your gout medications along with trying alternative gout remedies to prevent your condition from becoming worse.
