Gout
What is Gout?
Gout has no bias and takes no prisoners—it can affect anyone at any time. Flare-ups occur suddenly, typically in the middle of the night with a surge of fiery pain and can linger for days and sometimes weeks. Beyond the long-lasting physical pain, gout often takes a hefty emotional toll.
Symptoms of Gout
Causes of Gout
Gout is caused by hyperuricemia, a condition characterized by the build-up of uric acid. Uric acid is a chemical byproduct of purines, a substance that the body metabolizes, found naturally in many foods, such as alcohol, red meat, pork, shellfish, ice cream, candy, and more. More purines lead to more uric acid in the body, which is typically passed through the kidneys into the urine. However, too much uric acid creates urate crystals, which form in the body's joints, causing the inflammation and pain we know as gout.
Gout Treatment
Changes in lifestyle, such as avoiding alcohol, red meats, and other high-purine foods, can help to limit the build-up of uric acid and urate crystals in the joints. Exercising and maintaining a healthy weight are also ways to reduce uric acid and treat gout pain.
When your gout flares up out of the blue, there are several ways to treat it from home if you act quickly. If you've been diagnosed with gout, always take any medication prescribed by your doctor first. You can also try over-the-counter pain relievers. A few more natural home remedies include:
Get back to a more normal, pain-free life sooner rather than later by trying these remedies and lifestyle changes when your next gout flare-up strikes.
For more pain-relief help and management, visit the MendMeShop for products, tips, tricks, and more.
Gout has no bias and takes no prisoners—it can affect anyone at any time. Flare-ups occur suddenly, typically in the middle of the night with a surge of fiery pain and can linger for days and sometimes weeks. Beyond the long-lasting physical pain, gout often takes a hefty emotional toll.
Symptoms of Gout
- Severe joint pain, often in the big toes, ankles, feet, knees, or fingers
- Swelling, redness, and warmth
- Tenderness to touch
- Prolonged and persistent pain
- Stiffness and limited mobility
Causes of Gout
Gout is caused by hyperuricemia, a condition characterized by the build-up of uric acid. Uric acid is a chemical byproduct of purines, a substance that the body metabolizes, found naturally in many foods, such as alcohol, red meat, pork, shellfish, ice cream, candy, and more. More purines lead to more uric acid in the body, which is typically passed through the kidneys into the urine. However, too much uric acid creates urate crystals, which form in the body's joints, causing the inflammation and pain we know as gout.
Gout Treatment
Changes in lifestyle, such as avoiding alcohol, red meats, and other high-purine foods, can help to limit the build-up of uric acid and urate crystals in the joints. Exercising and maintaining a healthy weight are also ways to reduce uric acid and treat gout pain.
When your gout flares up out of the blue, there are several ways to treat it from home if you act quickly. If you've been diagnosed with gout, always take any medication prescribed by your doctor first. You can also try over-the-counter pain relievers. A few more natural home remedies include:
- Use cold packs and compresses
- Stay hydrated and get enough sleep
- Follow a healthy diet with foods known to reduce uric acid build-ups, such as cherries, bananas, celery, and more
- Try topical creams, such as Arnica Infusion, a fast-acting pain relief cream
Get back to a more normal, pain-free life sooner rather than later by trying these remedies and lifestyle changes when your next gout flare-up strikes.
For more pain-relief help and management, visit the MendMeShop for products, tips, tricks, and more.
