If you have been diagnosed with gout, it can be hard to know what to do for it
Gout is an extremely painful type of uric acid related arthritis that attacks one joint at a time. It tends to affect only one joint at a time, usually the big toe.
Flare-ups can come on rapidly and cause extreme pain and swelling. There are times when gout flares up quickly, often referred to as flares, and other times when there may not be any symptoms, or the symptoms are very mild. Many times gout flares up because the patient doesn't take good care of his body. The main causes of gout are high levels of uric acid in the bloodstream, but there are other things that can trigger gout flare-ups, including arthritis itself, alcoholism, and vitamin deficiencies.
Arthritis is the result of too much uric acid build up. The body cannot process this acid very well, so it builds up and crystallizes in the joints. Some forms of arthritis are quite rare, but others occur more frequently than many people might believe. A typical patient can have as many as twenty-five types of arthritis in their body at one time, depending on the severity and location of the arthritis.
Other causes of arthritis include infection, arthritis medications, and vitamin deficiencies, all of which can contribute to a high level of uric acid. Because it is so painful, gout has a tendency to keep a person confined to their home. It can also lead to the onset of kidney stones, and other related problems.
If the patient's gout flares up, the first thing that needs to be done is for them to reduce their high levels of uric acid in their system. There are several ways for them to do this, including eating less, drinking less alcohol, and not taking medications that may contribute to the gout problem.
Another method of dealing with a gout flare-up is to use an anti-inflammatory medication that helps to dissolve the crystals that develop in the joints. When the crystals start to break down and crystallize, they are released into the urine and cause a flare. This is why pain medications that help with inflammation are also prescribed for the pain.
Prescription medications help relieve pain by reducing inflammation in the joints
They also help with stiffness and swelling. Over time, they will slow down the build up of uric acid in the joints, giving relief to those who suffer from gout.
While these are the most popular forms of treatment, there are many different kinds of herbal and natural remedies that have also proven effective. These natural remedies are also available to help reduce the symptoms associated with gout, such as pain. There are even some that can be taken on a daily basis to help the pain, and keep it from getting worse.
Herbs and vegetables are often used to treat arthritis, as they are known for their ability to reduce inflammation and pain. The herbs that are most commonly used for this purpose are ginger, eucalyptus, and Rosemary.
Ginger can be taken as a supplement. Many times, a tablespoon of ginger powder can be mixed with a cup of hot water and then took a few times each day.
Eucalyptus can be taken as tea or taken as a pill. The best way to take it is as a tea, as the tea has anti-inflammatory properties as well as a sedative effect.
Although it may not be an instant solution, herbs and supplements can give arthritis sufferers a chance to reduce their pain and symptoms. And when it comes to treating gout, one is best to start at the beginning.