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If you have gout or arthritis, you will experience pain from time to time. Therefore, learning different pain management techniques is vital. People suffering from gout (also known as gouty arthritis) experience some warning signs that include itching, tingling, or burning sensation. The joints may feel a bit stiff or sore, depending on the severity of the condition. However, when these flares start, most people experience severe pain, swelling, or redness. Although the big toe base is the most common gout place, gout can also occur in other joints like the elbow, ankle, instep, knee, or wrist.
If your doctor gave you medicines, ensure you take them as prescribed as soon as the first flare sign begins. With time, you will learn more about these signs to help you get prepared in advance. Most doctors prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like meloxicam, celecoxib, indomethacin, or sulindac. Remember, you can take over-the-counter drugs (OTCs), for instance, ibuprofen or naproxen. Your medical history can make your doctor prescribe steroids or other drugs to mitigate inflammation.
Pain management without the medicine
If you do not have any medical prescriptions, you can try managing pain by:
• Use cold – if you are not in a lot of pain, consider using cold packs. Compress a cold pack on the joint to reduce pain and inflammation. You can wrap ice with a thin towel and press it on your joint for about 20 minutes. However, if you have nerve problems (caused by diabetes), do not apply ice to your hands or feet.
• Rest the joint – resting the joint until the pain goes away can help mitigate pain. Consider raising the joint on a pillow or any soft object for a few minutes to reduce pain or inflammation.
• Drink water – if you are dehydrated, your body produces many uric acids, which can cause cramps that cause pain. Drink a lot of water every day to keep your uric levels in check.
Finally, watch out for the food you eat or the drinks you take. Foods high in purines, for example, liver, seafood, or fatty foods, can raise uric acid levels. Avoid eating such foods to manage your pain. You can try some activities like walking, yoga, or easy workout routines to exercise the joints. There are also a number of supplements available which may help alleviate some of the pain associated with gout, or reduce the severity of it.