Gout isn\u2019t making a comeback \u2013 it just never went away.<\/p>\n
You may think this illness, once known as \u201crich man\u2019s disease\u201d because it was thought to come from eating fatty foods, disappeared with Charles Dickens. In fact, it\u2019s the most common inflammatory arthritis in men over 30 \u2013 and women are just as susceptible after menopause.<\/p>\n
It often comes on suddenly in the night, turning your big toe (or another joint) into a poker of pain \u2013 red, hot and swollen.<\/p>\n
Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid \u2013 a waste product left by dead cells \u2013 in the blood, either because your body produces too much or excretes too little. The uric acid eventually crystallizes, forming tiny needles that work into joints, leading to intense pain and swelling.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne theory about why gout pain occurs early in the morning is that the foot is coolest at those hours, and [uric acid] goes from its liquid phase in the blood to crystals that establish themselves in the joint,\u201d says rheumatologist Nathan Wei, M.D., director of the Arthritis and Osteoarthritis Treatment Center of Frederick, Md.<\/p>\n
The condition is mostly hereditary, Wei says. But some foods \u2013 such as organ meats and beer \u2013 can increase uric-acid buildup because they contain high levels of compounds called purines, which convert to uric acid in the body. Consuming lots of meat, seafood and alcohol may also increase gout risk.<\/p>\n
While gout remedies ease symptoms, they can\u2019t cure the condition. They reduce uric acid levels in the blood and banish pain that accompanies a gout attack.<\/p>\n
Here are the best doctor-recommended treatments \u2013 both medical and natural \u2013 for gout.<\/p>\n
Conventional Gout Remedies<\/p>\n
Gout Remedies: Anti-inflammatories
\u201cThe first step is to get the attack under control,\u201d says Zorba Paster, M.D., and clinical professor in the School of Medicine and Public Health at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, who hosts a weekly call-in show on Public Radio International.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s why doctors often recommend a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, that reduces levels of pain- and inflammation-causing chemicals called prostaglandins.<\/p>\n
If your doctor approves, take double the normal dose of over-the-counter ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) for the first 2-3 days, Paster advises. Prescription NSAIDs, like indomethacin (Indocin, Indocin-SR), are available for gout pain too, but they function the same as over-the-counter medications, he says.<\/p>\n
After several days of double doses, your doctor probably will suggest a lower dose to ward off more attacks. But don\u2019t take NSAIDs long-term without a doctor\u2019s input because they can trigger serious side effects, such as gastrointestinal bleeding and heart problems.<\/p>\n
Gout Remedies: Colchicine (Colcrys, Colsalide)
A pharmaceutical version of a traditional gout remedy (extracted from autumn crocus plants), this drug is sometimes used to quell acute attacks and limit gout pain until other medications kick in, Wei says.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring the first six months patients are on gout medications that reduce uric acid levels, they\u2019re prone to develop acute attacks \u2013 although we don\u2019t know why,\u201d he says. \u201cSo we give patients colchicine for six months and discontinue it. It\u2019s remarkably good for keeping inflammatory cells from multiplying.\u201d<\/p>\n
However, many physicians prefer NSAIDs because colchicine can cause nasty side effects, such as stomach cramps and diarrhea.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt helps pain, but it makes you feel miserable,\u201d Wei says.<\/p>\n
Gout Remedies: Steroids
For people who can\u2019t tolerate colchicine or must avoid NSAIDs because of kidney or liver disease, a doctor might prescribe steroid hormones, such as prednisone, to control inflammation and gout pain.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can give [oral] steroids over a few days,\u201d then taper off rapidly, Wei says.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s because steroids have severe side effects, such as nervousness and insomnia, and raise your risk of infection. Over time, they can thin bones too.<\/p>\n
If gout pain affects only a single joint, the physician may use a small needle to remove fluid and then inject a steroid into the joint to ease inflammation immediately.<\/p>\n
Gout Remedies: Probenecid (Benemid, Probalan)
Part of a class of drugs called uricosurics, probenecid increases excretion of uric acid by preventing a kidney protein from transporting it back into the body.<\/p>\n
But doctors won\u2019t prescribe probenecid until an acute attack is over. That\u2019s because it could exacerbate symptoms. As with other uric-acid-reducing drugs, the frequency of gout attacks may increase during the first few months.<\/p>\n
\u201cProbenecid is good for people under middle age unless they have kidney stones,\u201d Wei says. \u201cThe increased [urination] makes kidney stones worse.\u201d (Patients on probenecid should drink at least eight glasses of water each day to reduce kidney-stone risk.)<\/p>\n
This gout medication isn\u2019t recommended for older patients because kidney function declines with age.<\/p>\n
Gout Remedies: Allopurinol (Aloprim, Zyloprim)
Approved in 1964, this older medication can reduce uric acid production, says Harris H. McIlwain, M.D., a rheumatologist with the Tampa Medical Group in Florida, and co-author of Diet for a Pain-Free Life (Da Capo Press).<\/p>\n
Allopurinol has a long track record of effectiveness and is relatively inexpensive. But it can cause upset stomach, diarrhea and sleepiness or more serious effects, like bone marrow suppression or hepatitis, says Wei.<\/p>\n
Drink at least eight glasses of water a day while taking it, and avoid alcohol, which can diminish its effect.<\/p>\n
Gout Remedies: Febuxostat (Uloric)
Approved in 2009, febuxostat is the first all-new gout medication in 45 years. Like allopurinol, it\u2019s designed to reduce uric acid production.<\/p>\n
To control gout, uric-acid levels have to fall and remain below 6 milligrams (mg) per deciliter (dL) of blood, explains Paster, who has done research on the new drug.<\/p>\n
\u201cUloric is more effective in getting levels below 6 mg\/dL,\u201d he says. \u201cAnd if you keep levels [that low], you can [nearly] get rid of attacks.\u201d<\/p>\n
The drug is also more effective at dissolving tophi, uric-acid nodules that form under the skin in cases of chronic gout, Paster says.<\/p>\n
Febuxostat also appears to have fewer potential side effects than allopurinol, Wei says. But it still may cause liver problems, nausea, rash, joint pain and cardiovascular issues. It\u2019s also more expensive, which means insurance companies are likely to cover allopurinol first.<\/p>\n
Natural Gout Remedies
Don\u2019t tackle gout without medication, because you may have increasing attacks, higher risk of kidney stones and kidney disease and tophi knots on the elbows, fingers, and knees. Eventually, build-up of crystals in the joints causes permanent joint damage.<\/p>\n
But some natural gout remedies may relieve gout pain and decrease frequency and severity of attacks.<\/p>\n
Gout Remedies: Acupuncture
Being stuck by needles is probably the last thing you want during a gout attack. But several Chinese studies indicate the ancient therapy may relieve gout pain.<\/p>\n
Acupuncture had a 93.3% effectiveness rate in alleviating pain, compared to 80% for gout medications like indomethacin and allopurinol, according to a 2009 Chinese study of 60 patients. What\u2019s more, the acupuncture group had no negative reactions, compared to 46.7% of those taking drugs.<\/p>\n
How does it work?<\/p>\n
\u201cAcupuncture helps promote blood circulation as well as [expansion] of the small capillaries, allowing small uric acid crystals to be broken down and carried away,\u201d says acupuncturist Tom Ingegno, L.Ac., co-owner of Ancient Arts Wellness in Baltimore, Md.<\/p>\n
Although acupuncturists may place needles near a painful site, \u201cwe don\u2019t jam a needle in the joint,\u201d Ingegno says.<\/p>\n
For acute pain, Ingegno recommends 2-3 hour-long sessions a week until it subsides. For chronic gout patients, he recommends monthly or bimonthly treatments.<\/p>\n
Gout remedies: Ice or heat
For some people, holding an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas on the painful joint for 15-20 minutes may relieve pain.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut for [others], it makes pain worse,\u201d Wei says. In that case, try a moist heating pad, which might keep painful crystals from forming, he suggests.<\/p>\n
Make a warm pad by soaking a dishrag, stashing it in a microwave-safe plastic zipper bag, closing all but a tiny portion of the zipper, and heating it in the microwave on high for two minutes. Wrap the bag in a towel and put in on your joint.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ll have a heating pad that stays warm for 15 minutes,\u201d Wei says.<\/p>\n
Gout remedies: Cherries
Certain compounds in cherries called anthocyanins can reduce uric acid levels and ease inflammatory pain, according to studies at Tufts and Johns Hopkins Universities.<\/p>\n
Eat a half cup of fresh cherries a day (dark-colored or \u201ctart\u201d varieties are best as gout remedies) or take cherry supplements, following directions on the package, Wei advises.<\/p>\n
Gout remedies: Water
Hydration is a gout sufferer\u2019s best friend. Fluids help flush uric acid out of the body and prevent kidney stones \u2013 often a risk in people with gout. Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses a day, particularly during gout attacks, Paster says.<\/p>\n
Gout remedies: Bed Cradle
This device forms a tent over painful feet to keep bed sheets from touching them during an acute attack of gout pain.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n
More:<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Gout, a little-known type of arthritis, can cause searing pain in your toes, feet and other joints. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":422625,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-441632","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-local-news"},"yoast_head":"\n