There are several ways to control gout attacks. The most important may be to watch your diet so you don’t trigger one in the first place. Foods to avoid with gout include red and organ meats and seafood, and cut out the alcohol (especially beer) and fructose-sweetened drinks. Drink plenty of water instead to flush out the uric acid.
If an attack occurs, home remedies for gout can help:
- Start pain medication immediately—ibuprofen, naproxen, or another medication we prescribe
- If you’ve already been diagnosed with gout, continue your medication to reduce uric acid
- Apply an ice pack (bag of frozen corn wrapped in a thin cloth works well)
- Elevate your leg above heart level to reduce swelling
- Use a cane and loose socks (or cut the fronts off) to relieve pressure on the toe
- Try meditation, deep breathing, etc. to relax and relieve stress
Most gout attacks ease after a couple of days and are usually over in about a week. If yours last longer or you have fever or chills, call Yuko Miyazaki, DPM in Berkeley, CA at 510-647-3744 as soon as possible for examination, diagnosis, and treatment.