Thursday, March 14, 2024

Best Way To Keep Gout Away

When To Get Help For A Gout Flare

Best Way to Stop Gout Pain

It’s always a good idea to let your doctor know that you are having a flare. Sometimes, you may need to follow up to make sure your treatment plan is working or if your symptoms don’t improve. Call your doctor if:

This is your first flare-up. There are several other conditions, such as a joint infection, that have some of the same symptoms as gout attacks.

You have a highfever and chills. Gout attack symptoms may include a mild fever, but a higher temperature may be a sign of an infection.

Your symptoms don’t get any better after 48 hours or don’t end after about a week. If you don’t start to feel somewhat better after a few days, call your doctor. They may suggest a different treatment. Most gout attacks will go away by themselves in several weeks, even without treatment.

Free Prescription Drug Discount Card

Whether you have prescription drug insurance or not, the free Travel Pharmacist Discount Prescription Card from WellCard may save you money. Simply put in the name of the medication and see what the discounted price will be at your local pharmacy. This is especially helpful if you dont have any prescription medicine insurance as the savings can be quite significant. This prescription discount card also includes 24/7 TeleHealth Access telephone consults with nurses and doctors who can diagnose your gout from the comfort of your home or hotel room. TeleHealth options are especially convenient for anyone who is traveling with gout.

Prescription Discount Card

Four Ways To Avoid A Gout Attack

More than eight million Americans live with gout, the most common form of inflammatory arthritis. While women do get it, men are much more likely to develop the condition.

Gout occurs when uric acid, a waste product created from the breakdown of purines in food, builds up in your joints. The result is flare-ups or attacks that cause pain and inflammation. Youre most likely to get an attack in your big toe, although it can also affect joints in your knees, elbows, fingers, and wrists.

Gout attacks are often intense enough that they derail your entire day. If youve experienced the agony of an attack, its only natural that you want to prevent it from happening again. Theres no full proof way to prevent 100% of gout attacks. However, stopping your uric acid levels from rising too high does a good job of slashing how often you get attacks and lowering their intensity when they do occur.

At Kazmer Foot & Ankle Centers, weve seen how painful and disruptive gout can be for our patients. So weve put together four strategies you can use to keep gout attacks at bay.

Recommended Reading: Does Gout Affect Your Heel

Drink Plenty Of Water To Stay Hydrated

Whether youre catching up with old friends or having a mixed drink at a holiday party, make sure you drink plenty of water. Its easy to get dehydrated even when the weather turns cold outside if you dont drink enough water.

Dehydration makes it harder for your kidneys to filter extra uric acid from your blood, which causes uric acid levels to rise. You may be more likely to suffer a gout attack if youre dehydrated.

Home Remedies For Gout

5 best free natural gout remedies that helps flush away ...

Because of the rise in health care costs and the popular inclination to try natural home remedies to prevent the need for prescription drugs and surgeries, many people are turning toward alternative remedies to treat gout. A number of these home remedies have been acknowledged for treating gout. But, are they effective or not? We will present a number of them below and discuss their likelihood of success.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is used to treat gout because its acidity relieves the acute pain associated with gout and other types of arthritis. The vinegar increases the bodys alkalinity and has anti-inflammatory properties. Some individuals also add honey to the apple cider vinegar because of honeys anti-inflammatory properties.

The bad news is that you take the concoction by the spoonful, and apple cider vinegar isnt exactly known for its amazing taste. To be most effective, you need to take up to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar three times a day. Scientific results are lacking in evidence that apple cider vinegar really works. There was a study in Japan in 2010 which looked at different diets to improve alkalization of urine to increase the removal of uric acid from the body. Apple cider vinegar was in one of the diets, but was not tested alone.

Success stories are hit or miss with apple cider vinegar and the treatment of gout. We give it two stars.

2. Ginger Root

3. Baking Soda

4. Lemon Juice

5. Epsom Salt

6. Cherries

7. Bananas

Read Also: Vegetables That Cause Gout Flare Ups

Enjoy Sugary Beverages And Snacks In Moderation

Sweets abound during the holidays. Cookies, fruit punch, and other common party staples often contain high amounts of sugar, which can increase blood sugar levels. High blood sugar is linked to high uric acid, particularly in adults who are overweight or obese.

Avoiding soda, fruit juices, and other beverages and foods with high sugar content may help prevent gout flare-ups as you navigate the holidays this year.

Top 5 Foods That Can Control Cholesterol And Keep Gout Away

Controlling one?s weight or cholesterol level is important, not just for people with Gout, but even for people who are still perfectly healthy. High cholesterol levels can cause multiple medical problems, and with a Gout condition in tow, it will make one?s condition more complicated.

Foods high in cholesterol are most of the time laden with high purine content too?most meats are. So for a Gout patient, the best?Gout diet guide?should focus on foods that are not just low in purine content, but can control cholesterol levels too.

The following contains a list of foods that can naturally help you?keep your cholesterol level in check.

1.) Oats

Oats are rich in fiber, it helps in metabolism and doesn?t contain fat or cholesterol. For someone with a Gout condition, instant oatmeals may not be the best choice as they can contain high levels of purine that can surely cause a Gout attack. Whole-grain oats on the other hand, are best. Oats are good for breakfast, even snacks! And they can be mixed with fruits and fresh milk that will make it more nutritious!

2.) Avocado

Avocado is rich in vitamins and good cholesterol?and it can make for a very yummy treat too! You can eat it as a dessert after meal, or make a smoothie out of it, either way it is healthy, refreshing, and yummy! You can also mix it with other fruits such as apples, banana, or raspberries, for a richer treat!

3.) Tea

4.) Chocolate

5.) Olive Oil

Recommended Reading: Is Banana Good For Gout

What To Do After A Gout Flare

While its possible to have an isolated gout attack, normally once gout strikes youll need prolonged therapy to manage it, says Dr. Saag. If you dont take regular uric-acid lowering medication or find another way to get your uric acid levels down cutting back on alcohol, losing weight, and cutting back on high-purine foods may make a difference over time you will likely experience shorter intervals between gout flares, he explains. Gout ultimately becomes a chronic arthritis, and it can be quite disabling.

What Youll Want To Remember To Do

The BEST Video About Gout Ever Made

10) Get a cane

It can be tough to accept, but walking with a cane during an acute gout attack will keep pressure off your painful joints and make life a lot more pleasant. For styling with a cane, there are some pretty darn cool ones out there on the Internet. A few of our favorite canes can be found at https://www.fashionablecanes.com/ and https://thewalkingcanestore.com/

11) Wear Warm Clothes When its Cold

If you live in a cold climatic area, you are susceptible to gout. Keep yourself warm by donning thick clothes and socks. Avoid exposing your feet to the cold, as gout often affects the big toe. Also, ensure that you sleep in a room that is slightly warmer than room temperature.

12) Exercise, but in Moderation

There is no substitute for exercise, as being overweight can contribute to gout. Keeping your weight in check and getting enough exercise will help prevent the accumulation of uric acid in the joints. Bear in mind that too much exercise can lead to trouble by putting more stress on already inflamed joints. Hence, always exercise in moderation.

13) Elevate your foot, if affected

Raising your foot with pillows so its higher than your chest may help lessen swelling.

14) Tame your sheets

Even the weight of your bed sheets can be unbearable to an inflamed, gouty toe. Tuck the sheet in on the sides so its end falls at calf level, leaving your painful toe free of the covers.

15) Create gout-friendly socks

16) Chill out

You May Like: How To Stop Gout From Recurring

Avoid Alcohol And Sugary Drinks

The heavy consumption both of alcohol and of sugary drinks â such as sodas and sweetened juices â correlates with an increased risk of developing gout.

Alcohol and sweetened drinks also add unnecessary calories to the diet, potentially causing weight gain and metabolic issues.

2010 analysis of data from female participants in the Nursesâ Health Study found that gout risk decreased as coffee consumption increased.

Women who consumed 1 to 3 cups of coffee per day had a 22% reduction in their risk of gout compared with those who drank no coffee. Women who consumed more than 4 cups of coffee per day had a 57% decrease in their risk of getting this condition.

A handful of studies have also linked coffee consumption to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. A 2014 systematic review and meta-analysis of long-term coffee consumption found that people who consumed 3â5 cups of coffee per day had the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease.

As people with gout have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, drinking coffee may help improve their overall health.

2011 meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials found that vitamin C significantly reduced levels of uric acid in the blood.

Reduced uric acid levels could lower the risk of gout attacks. Research has not conclusively proven that vitamin C treats or prevents gout, however â only that it lowers uric acid levels.

What Foods Should You Avoid

If youre susceptible to sudden gout attacks, avoid the main culprits high-purine foods.

These are foods that contain more than 200 mg of purines per 3.5 ounces .

You should also avoid high-fructose foods, as well as moderately-high-purine foods, which contain 150200 mg of purines per 3.5 ounces. These may trigger a gout attack.

Here are a few major high-purine foods, moderately-high-purine foods and high-fructose foods to avoid (6,

  • meats: These include liver, kidneys, sweetbreads and brain
  • meats: Examples include pheasant, veal and venison
  • Fish: Herring, trout, mackerel, tuna, sardines, anchovies, haddock and more
  • seafood: Scallops, crab, shrimp and roe
  • Sugary beverages: Especially fruit juices and sugary sodas
  • Added sugars: Honey, agave nectar and high-fructose corn syrup
  • Yeasts: Nutritional yeast, brewers yeast and other yeast supplements

Additionally, refined carbs like white bread, cakes and cookies should be avoided. Although they are not high in purines or fructose, they are low in nutrients and may raise your uric acid levels (

Summary: If you have gout, you should avoid foods like organ meats, game meats, fish and seafood, sugary beverages, refined carbs, added sugars and yeast.

Don’t Miss: Why Does Allopurinol Worsen Acute Gout

Get Tested For Sleep Apnea

Untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of gout.12,13 Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes the body to take in less oxygen while sleeping, which in turn causes the body to produce more purines.12,14 Sleep apnea is typically treated with a continuous positive airway pressure machine or other device that increases oxygen intake while sleeping.

What Is The Fastest Way To Get Rid Of Gout

5 best free natural gout remedies that helps flush away ...

Medications for acute gout attack: These medications are usually prescribed to treat an acute attack of gout:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs : These can quickly relieve the pain and swelling of an acute gout episode. They can shorten the attack, especially if taken in the first 24 hours.
  • Corticosteroids: These drugs can be taken by mouth or injected into an inflamed joint to quickly relieve the pain and swelling of an acute attack. Corticosteroids usually start working within 24 hours after they are taken.
  • Colchicine: An anti-inflammatory medicine that works best if taken within the first 24 hours of a gout attack.

Medications for reducing uric acid levels: These are usually prescribed after an acute attack ends to reduce uric acid levels in the body to prevent future attacks.

  • Colchicine: Regular and low doses of colchicine may be given along with other medications below to prevent flare-ups.
  • Allopurinol: It reduces uric acid production in the body.
  • : It reduces uric acid production in the body.
  • Probenecid: It acts on the kidneys to help eliminate uric acid.
  • Pegloticase: This is a medication that is injected every 2 weeks. It reduces uric acid quickly and used when other medications fail.

Lifestyle and home remedies to treat acute gout and can prevent recurrent attacks:

  • Limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption and drinks sweetened with fructose
  • Limiting intake of foods high in purines, such as red meat, organ meats, and seafood
  • Drinking plenty of fluids

Read Also: Can You Eat Salmon If You Have Gout

Tired Of Regular Gout Flare

If so, Ive got some goods news

The cause of gout is simply too much uric acid buildup in your joints. Before you rush to the doctor, you can take steps to fight back against too much uric acid, the safe and natural way!

Nutritionist Evan Burns reveals a dozen ways to fight excess uric acid — without prescriptions or steroids –in his FREE report!

Youll also get to read about which foods actually help reduce uric acid levels.

What You Should Consume To Help Keep Gout At Bay

1) Drink plenty of fluids

Staying hydrated helps flush the uric acid out of your system, preventing kidney stones as well. You should drink at least eight cups of water a day and another eight of anything else, except alcohol .

2) Go Bananas!

Vitamin K that is present in bananas helps in liquefying uric acid crystals to flush them out of the body.

Bananas are also a rich source of Vitamin C, which helps reduce inflammation and lessen the pain.

Eating a banana or two every day can provide relief from gout and is also a great source of potassium, which helps stop cramping to boot.

3) A Bunch of Cherries a Day Keeps Gout away?

Yes! Here is some seriously good news for those of us looking for any excuse to consume cherries . Why cherries? The bottom line is that their antioxidant properties contain a pigment called anthocyanins, which can reduce inflammation and pain caused by gout. Cherries can be eaten fresh, or in the form of tarts and juice.

4) Munch on Celery

Celery is claimed to be one of the best foods to treat gout. Celery decreases uric acid levels and has anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce redness and swelling. However, celery could be harmful if you are excessively sensitive to salt. It is advisable to consult your doctor before munching on celery on a regular basis.

5) Put on the Juniper

6) Get into Nettle Leaf Tea

Don’t Miss: Best Thing To Do For Gout Pain

Getting Through An Attack: 5 Tips For Gout

When an attack hits, relief from the pain is your top priority. Try these tips:

  • Take a pill: If youve had attacks before and youve been prescribed a drug for gout attacks, take these as recommended when the attack starts. If you havent, try over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as naproxen or ibuprofen.
  • Hydrate: Take your pills with plenty of water, and keep the hydration coming. Extra fluid dilutes the amount of uric acid in your blood and assists the flushing of crystals at the gout site. Avoid beverages sweetened with sugar, though. These could add to your uric acid issues.
  • Ice packs: Cooling the swollen joint reduces inflammation and eases pain if youre careful with your ice pack. Wrap it in a washcloth and limit icing to 20 minutes every hour.
  • Elevate: If gout hits your big toe, lie down and elevate that foot above the level of your heart to encourage drainage. Combined with ice packs, this can reduce both pain and swelling.
  • Rest: This might be an easy decision since walking on a gouty toe can be excruciating. Pain can take a lot out of you too, so take it easy through the worst of the gout pain.
  • The best gout attack youll experience is the one you dont have. Its possible to make changes that banish gout attacks from your life.Contact Errol Gindi, DPM by phone or online through the appointment request link on this page. Dr. Gindi and his team can help you make the changes you need to keep gout under control. Book your consultation today.

    How To Stop Gout Pain Now

    BEST SHOES FOR GOUT ARTHRITIS AND WAYS TO PREVENT FLARE UPS

    Few words are more capable of striking fear into a traveler than gout flare. Imagine feeling as though you have ground glass in your joints with every move you take? Traveling with gout in the foot can feel as though the tender tissue is being stabbed by thousands of tiny needle-sharp knives with every step. The pain of gout can bring a grown man to tears and seriously hamper a good vacation. There are many gout treatments and gout medications to sift through when all you want is the pain to stop. Read below for ways to keep gout out of your life as well as treatment options for quickly minimizing the down-time if an attack occurs while youre traveling.

    Also Check: Sour Cherry Juice For Gout

    Popular Articles
    Related news