Tips on Easing a Gout Attack at Home

Gout affects both men and women not just in their big toes, but also in their knees, wrists, or fingers. But no matter where gout attacks, the pain is just as severe, a fact that makes many sufferers dread the day when another attack comes. The symptoms of a gout attack is plain even to observers – the affected joint becomes swollen, very red, and warm to the touch – while the patient suffers from extreme pain that even a slight pressure can increase it.

Fortunately, a gout attack is self-limiting in the sense that the painful symptoms will clear up in time. You can also adopt the following methods in managing the pain of a gout attack and, thus, shorten its duration, frequency and intensity.

See your doctor.

Be sure that a doctor (such as any of the Healthpointe doctors throughout Southern California, such as Temecula near Murrieta, Fallbrook, Wildomar, Canyon Lake, and Sun City) is qualified for gout and pain management. Your medical consultation is essential to determine that the painful symptoms are actually due to a gout attack.

Take your medications.

Your doctor will likely prescribe medications to control your gout symptoms. Over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen – specifically anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs (NSAIDs) – are the first line of defense against acute gout pain. But these are unsuitable for people with renal disease so caution is advised.

Steroids may also be prescribed for patients who cannot take NSAIDs. Prednisone is the most common steroid prescribed by doctors since it can be taken in oral doses; its intake is usually tapered down over a 14-day period to reduce the risks for side effects.

Gout-specific drugs may also be prescribed. Colchicine is an oral medication that works by blocking the uric acid crystals lodged inside the affected joint. Allopurinol interferes with uric acid development, and is suitable for people who suffer from repeated gout attacks.

Rest and ice the joint.

Be in bed or rest as much as possible while the gout attack is in full swing. Place ice on the affected joint to reduce the inflammation and relieve the pain. Get the affected joint naked, such as leaving your entire foot bare when your big toe is affected; any pressure on it will likely increase the pain’s intensity.

And watch what you eat and drink. Avoid animal proteins, such as meat, to reduce the pain. Avoid drinking sweetened drinks and alcohol during a gout attack. Drinking plenty of water is a must to flush out the uric crystals in your body.

Come to any of the Healthpointe clinics, such as the one in Anaheim for pain management. The clinic is accessible to Fullerton, Placentia, Villa Park, Buena Park, Cypress, Cerritos, and Garden Grove residents, too.

About Healthpointe:

Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Anaheim, which is conveniently located by Fullerton, Placentia, Villa Park, Buena Park, Cypress, Cerritos, and Garden Grove. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit Healthpointe.net.