Gout Treatment

Fast cure for gout?
( 9 Apr 2009)

(Only for registered users! Login OR Sign Up in just 30 seconds)

There is no fast cure for gout, unless you are looking for quick relief from a gout attack. In fact, there is no real cure for gout at all – it is only possible to manage the condition through diet and lifestyle, and thus prevent gout attacks, or at least reduce their frequency. In some cases, medication may be used to reduce inflammation and pain during a gout attack, and other medications may be used to control uric acid levels and prevent attacks, but diet and lifestyle remain the safest and most effective ways to manage the condition.

An ice pack is the safest and most effective way to relieve the pain of a gout attack. Simply put a few cubes of ice in a plastic bag or wrap them in a soft, clean towel, and gently press the package against the affected joint for a few minutes. You can repeat this several times a day till the swelling goes down and the attack has passed.

Some people prefer to use a hot compress instead, such as a hot water bottle, but in general a cold compress is much more effective.

Prevention of attacks is however much more important, and this is done by keeping your uric acid levels low. You should drink plenty of water, as this dilutes the uric acid in your body and also helps to flush out excess uric acid. You should also cut down your intake of meat, particularly red meat and sea food, as they are high in purines, which contribute greatly to uric acid levels in the body. It is not necessary to completely exclude these foods from your diet unless your gout is unusually severe or your doctor recommends that you do so, but you should be very strict about your limits. To ensure that you get enough protein, you can eat more dairy products, as long as they are low fat. In addition, you should limit consumption of alcohol, as well as soft drinks and colas. Some experts are of the opinion that beer should be completely avoided, while distilled spirits can be consumed in limited amounts. Wine is considered safe, as it seems to have no effect upon uric acid levels. However, others disagree, and say that all alcohol consumption should be avoided. Coffee consumption on the other hand seems to bring down uric acid levels, and can be consumed, although not in excess.

answered by G M on 9 Apr 2009, 6:46:27

Gout Treatment

Fast cure for gout? ( 9 Apr 2009)

Fast cure for gout?
( 9 Apr 2009)