How To Get Rid Of Gout: Effective Solutions

• April 29, 2024
• Dr Peter Landsberg

Last updated on April 23, 2024

Gout can be a real pain – literally and figuratively. This form of inflammatory arthritis can significantly affect your life with its sudden and severe attacks of pain, tenderness, and redness in the joints. Understanding gout and seeking prompt, effective treatment is essential for those who wish to lead a pain-free life.

ArthritisCARE has created this guide on how to get rid of gout and prevent future attacks.

How to get rid of gout? ArthritisCARE created this guide to the best way to get rid of gout to help our many patients prevent further attacks and decrease their gout risk.

A quick recap on gout

Gout arises from an excess of serum uric acid levels (the amount of uric acid in your blood), leading to the formation of urate crystals in a joint or surrounding tissue. This causes the redness, pain and inflammation associated with a gout attack. It most commonly occurs in the big toe but can affect other joints as well.

How to get rid of gout?

‘Getting rid’ of gout implies a permanent cure, which is not currently possible. Instead, the focus is on managing the condition to prevent recurrent gout attacks. Effective gout treatments incorporate medications and lifestyle changes including understanding the role of diet in contributing to uric acid build-up and taking appropriate measures to address it.

What is the fastest way to get rid of gout?

To offer prompt relief during gout flares, we recommend:

• Apply an ice pack to the affected joint
• Elevating the joint above the level of the heart
• Using over-the-counter pain relievers, as advised by a doctor

Prescribed medications like NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and colchicine are also pivotal in managing acute gout attacks, reducing inflammation and alleviating pain.

How to get rid of gout? The severe pain and inflammation during an acute attack can be managed with ice packs, medication and elevating the affected joint.

What is the best way to get rid of gout pain?

When it comes to managing the pain associated with gout, rest isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. Allowing the affected joint to recuperate without additional stress can significantly alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. During these acute episodes, it’s crucial to limit activities that exacerbate the condition, opting instead for a gentler approach to movement until the flare subsides.

Beyond rest, certain home remedies have been identified that may offer some people relief:

Cherry extract or juice

Cherries contain anthocyanins and antioxidants, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies suggest that consuming cherry extract or juice can aid in lowering uric acid levels and inflammation, potentially leading to fewer gout attacks.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

The theory is that the acidity of ACV might help alleviate acute symptoms by altering the body’s pH balance. Although many individuals swear by its effectiveness, it has yet to be proven through scientific studies. If you’re interested in trying this remedy, it’s often recommended to mix a small amount with water to drink.

Herbal teas

Natural diuretics like green tea may assist in the excretion of uric acid through urine. Nettle tea is another herbal option thought to have anti-inflammatory effects and is traditionally used in herbal medicine for joint pain.

Supplements

Vitamin C supplements are sometimes recommended because they might help lower levels of uric acid. Similarly, fish oil is known for its high omega-3 fatty acid content, which has anti-inflammatory effects and might be beneficial for overall joint health.

It’s important to remember that while these home remedies can provide some relief, they are not a substitute for professional medical treatment. Therefore, these should be seen as complementary to the treatment plan prescribed by a healthcare provider.

How to get rid of gout? Some natural remedies have been shown to decrease risk factors for gouty arthritis and to reduce gout attacks. This can include cherries, ACV, herbal teas and supplements.

How to get rid of gout and prevent future gout attacks

Managing gout effectively and preventing future attacks requires a comprehensive strategy that addresses both the immediate symptoms and the underlying causes of gout.

Regular monitoring

Having regular appointments with your GP or rheumatologist can help manage chronic gout and your symptoms. It also involves paying close attention to the signs and symptoms that may precede a gout attack or flare-up. By learning what precipitates an acute attack —whether it’s certain foods, stress, or other factors—you can take proactive steps to avoid these triggers and manage your condition more effectively.

Uric acid management

By taking steps to lower uric acid levels you can reduce the risk of a future gout attack. Long-term management may include having a regular blood test to monitor your serum uric acid level.

Medications

To help maintain healthy levels of uric acid and alleviate pain and inflammation associated with a gout attack, you may need medications. This may involve medications like:

• Allopurinol, which decreases uric acid production
• Colchicine, which removes excess uric acid crystals from the body
• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to treat acute attacks

People with gout can prevent future flares by working closely with their doctor or rheumatologist to lose weight, maintain a healthy diet, change other aspects of their lifestyle, monitor their levels of uric acid and take prescribed medications.

Dietary changes and alcohol consumption

Consuming a diet that is low in purines—substances found in certain foods that can increase uric acid levels—is essential. This means limiting or avoiding foods that are high in purines, such as red meats, certain types of seafood like anchovies and sardines, and limiting alcohol intake, especially beer.

Hydration

Adequate hydration is key as it flushes your system to reduce uric acid levels. We encourage patients to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Lifestyle changes

Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular physical activity can help reduce the frequency and severity of gout attacks.

What helps get rid of gout?

By embracing a holistic approach that includes monitoring, lifestyle adjustments, and possibly medication, you can treat gout attacks and prevent gout flare-ups in the future. This proactive approach to gout management not only addresses the immediate pain and discomfort but also works toward a healthier future that lowers the risk of gout flare-ups.

FAQs

What is the fastest way to get rid of gout?

The fastest way of treating gout is to use medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), colchicine, or corticosteroids to relieve pain and inflammation. It’s important to start treatment as soon as you notice the symptoms of a gout attack for the best results.

What can I drink to flush out gout?

To help flush out gout, staying well-hydrated is key. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps to dilute uric acid in your bloodstream and promotes its elimination through your kidneys. Some people find that drinking cherry juice may help to reduce uric acid levels, although more research is needed. Herbal teas, especially those with anti-inflammatory properties, may also be beneficial.

What is the fastest way to get rid of gout at home?

To quickly alleviate gout at home:

• Use anti-inflammatory medications for pain.
• Ice packs.
• Rest.
• Drink plenty of water.

If gout doesn’t improve or is severe, see a doctor for proper treatment. Home strategies are for symptom relief and aren’t a substitute for professional care.