Gout is a painful inflammatory joint disease that affects people with arthritis. Individuals with a surplus of uric acid are unable to eliminate the uric acid quickly enough and it begins to build up in the blood. The uric acid in the blood crystallizes and gathers in the joints. Around 5% of people with arthritis develop gout. In severe cases someone with gout has visible lumpy areas beneath their skin. Men are more likely to develop gout than women, and children rarely suffer from the condition. Middle age men are at the highest risk for developing gout, and those with a family history of the condition are more likely to have it. People of all ages have had success with some of the popular home remedies for gout.
Gout affects the fingers, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, heels and toes. The development of gout in the big toe is very common and the pain can last for up to ten days before someone finds relief. Up to 75% of individuals with gout experience toe pain. Most people turn to home remedies for gout relief. Someone does not have to have family members with the condition to get it themselves; there are many other lifestyle, health and environmental factors that can increase someone’s chances of developing the disease. Someone who is overweight, drinks a lot of alcohol or who has been exposed to lead has a greater chance of developing the condition. People who eat foods that create uric acid within the body are also increasing their risk of getting the disease. Foods like kidney, liver, anchovies, sardines, dried peas and legumes can contribute to excess uric acid levels in the body. Dieting and chemotherapy can also lead to gout. Stressed out individuals who eat poorly and consume high amounts of alcohol are more likely to develop the disease. One of the most popular home remedies for gout is the elimination of alcohol and acid producing foods.
There is usually no warning before a gout attack. Someone will suddenly experience intense pain, swelling of the joint and discoloration of the surrounding skin. Someone with painful symptoms should visit their doctor for an evaluation and prescription medication. They can also try out some of the home remedies for gout that reduce painful symptoms. One of the most popular home remedies for gout is to drink plenty of water. Someone should drink at least eight glasses of pure water a day to help cleanse their body. Diuretics can contribute to the disease, so if someone is predisposed to the condition they should avoid taking water pills.
To reduce the pain of gout someone should avoid applying pressure to the affected area. If the disease is in the ankles or toes, someone should stay off of their feet to avoid further pain. Taking ibuprofen or aspirin will reduce pain and inflammation. Since medical professionals often advise applying a heating pad or ice pack to injuries, some people assume this is one of the effective home remedies for gout. Applying heat or ice does not help the pain of the disease, and could actually make the painful symptoms worse.
Many of the popular home remedies for gout are herbal based. Herbs such as Gingerroot, Boswellia, Licorice, Devil’s Claw Root and White Willow Bark are common home remedies for gout. One of the simplest home remedies for gout is for someone to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Tight clothing or shoes can worsen the pain, so people with the condition should wear loose fitting clothing and roomy shoes. Combining several home remedies for gout helps to relieve pain for most people.