How to help naturally relieve gout and joint pain
Knowing that gout can cause burning, intense pain in just one joint – most often the big toe – is often enough to leave someone unable to do anything. Gout develops when extra uric acid exists in the blood and it hardens in the joints or surrounding parts, causing extreme inflammation and pain.
The ankle, knees, fingers, wrists, elbows and mid-foot can be attacked, but it is often the big toe that is affected most. Doctors often prescribe NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or occasionally steroids to ease pain and swelling both at the beginning of an attack and continuously until the pain has gone away.
On the other hand, getting specific natural treatments can help you manage pain, lessen how often attacks happen and support your joints. No matter these self-care tips, consulting your doctor is the key thing to do when you spot the initial symptoms of gout.
The main reason for gout is uric acid made by the body during the digestion of purines. Red meat, organ meats, fish and shellfish (some), beer and other alcoholic beverages and mushrooms, asparagus, spinach and cauliflower are all good sources of purines.
An excess of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia) allows uric acid crystals to build up which is what causes the painful swelling of gout. A person who has repeated attacks can suffer joint damage and experience less range of motion. Consequently, keeping uric acid at the right level and decreasing inflammation should be main goals in treatment and daily living.
Reducing certain kinds of food you eat is one of the best natural approaches to managing gout. Eating less of foods high in purine is very important. As a result, you should limit your intake of red meat, as well as organ meats, certain kinds of seafood like anchovies, sardines, mussels and scallops and gravy.
Even though asparagus and spinach include purines, studies show they are less likely to boost your gout risk than animal-based foods, but it’s still smart to eat them in moderation. Specialists recommend cutting down or stopping alcohol, especially beer and spirits, because alcohol prevents the body from removing uric acid.
Sugary items and foods high in fructose can cause uric acid to go up, so it’s best to avoid them. Instead of anything restricted, choose food that is balanced and features lots of low-purine options such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, nuts, seeds, tofu and lentils.
Helping your blood circulation by staying properly hydrated is important. Reaching for water as often as possible – so much that you pass at least 8 glasses a day – will help reduce the acid and let the kidneys remove it from your body.
Gout can be brought on by dehydration. Being at a good weight is also very important. When you are overweight, uric acid levels increase and don’t drop as easily. Steadily reducing your weight with improved eating habits and consistent exercise can bring down high uric acid and reduce the stress on joints that often feel the pain of gout.
Never try to cut calories too much or lose weight too quickly, as these diets can temporarily flood your blood with uric acid and cause a flare-up.
Doing physical activities that are easy on your body can help maintain your health, control your weight and keep your joints working well. According to chiropractors, exercises such as walking, swimming or cycling are good for your joints and the muscles around them.
Avoid exercising when your gout is acute, as it’s important to give your body rest then. After the inflammation has decreased, start to slowly move again. Sufficient and sound sleep helps both the body heal and control inflammation. Forming a regular sleep pattern helps both our general health and our immune system.
Talk to your doctor about taking any type of dietary supplement, since they can react with your prescription drugs. Those anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 EPA and DHA in fish oil should help lower the painful inflammation caused by gout.
GLA, present in evening primrose or borage oils, is believed to fight inflammation in some ways. It appears that supplementing with vitamin C may slowly decrease the amount of uric acid in your blood. It is important to consult a doctor once more.
If a gout attack happens far, you should see a doctor to receive the right medicine right away. As well as prescribed care, using certain natural ways can ease the worst symptoms: Reduce pressure on the inflamed joint by resting it whenever you are able. Do not keep your injured joint beneath your heart; elevate it to help reduce joint swelling.
Place an ice bag or gel-filled pack on the sore joint to get rid of pain and lower inflammation. Put a thin towel around an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas and place it on the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times each day. Always cover the ice with a cloth before applying it to your skin to guard against frostbite.
Wear only loose clothing and don’t use heavy blankets to keep your knees from getting warm. Drink Water: Make sure you keep your body hydrated to help your uric acid be eliminated.
It is necessary to use several different methods for successful management of gout. While medications from your healthcare provider are most important for helping with pain and uric acid levels, you can benefit from extra support by choosing a healthy diet, drinking enough water, exercising, taking care of your weight, resting properly and following doctor recommendations for supplements.
They go after the causes of gout—too much uric acid and inflammation—which relieves immediate joint pain and lowers the risk of further, painful episodes. Keep close watch on your body, record any things that may trigger an attack and keep your doctor updated to help find the best way to treat you.
Note:-
The information here is meant for educational purposes and does not take the place of your doctor’s advice. Whenever you need medical advice, talk to your healthcare provider.