Gout attacks can come quickly and painfully. It’s hard to know exactly what to do to alleviate the discomfort.
Yet, there are things you can do.
The key things to focus on is to relieve pressure and try to reduce inflammation.
Medicine
The first thing to do in a gout attack is to take ibuprofen. Never take aspirin because that may cause more pain.
Then, take your prescription medicine, especially if your doctor prescribed an anti-inflammatory or uric
acid-lowering drug.
It doesn’t matter if it’s not yet time for a scheduled dose. It will help relieve pain.
Ice
Wrap ice or frozen peas in a dishcloth and lay on the painful joint for 20 to 30 minutes.
Ice should reduce inflammation.
Drink
It’s important to drink as much non-alcoholic fluids as you can stand, especially water.
This will flush out the uric acid. It will also protect your kidneys from kidney stones.
The daily goal should be 8 to 16 cups of fluids daily. At least half should be water.
Elevate
Most gout attacks happen in toes and feet.
Elevating the painful foot with pillows will reduce inflammation.
If you must, take off your sock or cut holes in the toes to relieve pressure.
Call
Call your doctor immediately.
Once your doctor knows you’ve had a gout attack, he or she may change your medication.
Your doctor may also want you to have a joint fluid test.
Confirmation by a test may lead to a corticosteroid injection, which will relieve pain.
Conclusion
It’s important to get medical treatment within 24 hours of an attack. Immediate treatment will lessen both the pain and the length of the attack.
This isn’t something to put off thinking you can get through the pain without treatment.
Gout can affect your kidneys so getting quick care is important.
