Gout: How to Deal with the Pain
When you have gout, learning how to manage the pain associated with it is key. An attack caused by the condition causes the affected joint to become warm, red, and swollen. Luckily, the attack won’t last forever and there are things you can do to ease your pain.
- Rest – Sleep is important for healing. While sleeping or resting, place the affected joint above your heart. Elevating the area allows your blood to flow more efficiently, helps with discomfort, and reduces the tenderness.
- Use Ice for Swelling – A cold compress can help reduce the swelling of the joint. Use an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables and apply it to the tender spot. Allow the cold to work its magic for up to 20 minutes. Remove it for 20 minutes and repeat.
- Add Heat for Pain – Once the swelling has gone down, add heat to lessen the hardness and pain. Be careful not to use the heat while the joint is swollen as it can cause the inflammation to worsen. Apply heat for half an hour once every 2-3 hours.
- Stretch – To help with the inflammation and stiffness of affected joints, gradually flex the area a couple times a day. Don’t stretch to the point of pain. Yoga can benefit your condition as well since it offers you a chance to stretch on a regular basis.
- Change Your Diet – When you have a flare-up, remove foods and liquids that are high in purines, for instance, alcohol, yeast, and organ meats.
- Medicate – NSAIDs help with the swelling and pain of a gout attack. Before taking any medication, though, talk with your Decatur foot doctor.
- Talk With Your Podiatrist – There are medications made specifically for dealing with gout. Some work to prevent attacks and others block the uric acid that causes the attack.
You don’t have to let gout rule your life. Learn how to manage your pain by following the tips shared here.
