Imagine you’re sitting at your desk completely engrossed in your work. Suddenly you feel a gripping pain shooting from your ankles! Your mind is completely occupied on what this pain is, and why it is happening?!
Suddenly you feel a gripping pain shooting from your ankles! Your mind is completely occupied on what this pain is, and why it is happening?!
Well, if you’re a male in the age group of 40 and above, the chances are that it is gout. It happens in woman as well, but men are 10 times more susceptible to it! If you are a woman who is at the age of menopause, then the risk is amplified. People who have weight problems and are suffering from high blood pressure are more prone to gout as well.
The symptoms of joint pain include inflammation and reddening of the joint and intense pain. This can last for days or even weeks depending on the severity.
The first course of action should involve you heading to your doctor, and getting his/her take on the situation. Apart from their advice, there are a couple of things you can do to ensure that you come out on top victorious!
- Try Staying Clear Of Aspirin
Aspirin shouldn’t be the go-to person for your gout woes, especially ones that contain acetylsalicylic acid. This can further worsen your gout situation! Try out over-the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen. Taking NSAIDs can cause side effects such as stomach and bowel issues including nausea. Etoricoxib is the better of the NSAIDs. Consult your doctor before you make a call on what to take!
- Ice The Joint!
An effective treatment is definitely cold therapy. This helps reduce the inflammation and helps provide significant relief from pain. Apply the cold pack for about 20-30 minutes as many times as you need throughout the day.
- Raise Your Feet
Prop your feet by placing it above a stool or a pillow. This causes the blood pressure to ease resulting in immediate relief.
- Remove Your Constricting Footwear
Take it easy and put on some comfortable slippers on. Remove anything constricting and let your feet breathe. The attack will pass!
- Drink Water!
Very important! Be sure to keep yourself hydrated at all times, as this will help flush out the excess uric acid in you. Drink atleast 2 litres of water, and stay clear of carbonated, sweet drinks. This will contribute to your situation getting worse.
All in all, there could be a serious case that you won’t be able to handle yourself. In which case head over to your doctor who may give you a corticosteroid injection. This is fast acting, and is to be used for such out-of-hand cases!
