In researching gout online, you will find that there is ample information out there about long-term gout treatment, such as diet and lifestyle changes and medications that decrease uric acid. But what about treating acute gout symptoms? What are the best ways to alleviate pain that is so bad that even a sock or a sheet can prove agonizing? Here we will look at some treatments and tips to help you get through the worst symptoms of a gout attack.

Treatment with Medication

In terms of fast acting treatment for severe gout symptoms, medication is usually the primary choice of physicians. NSAID pain relievers are the most common option, although the amount of benefit that they provide is limited, regardless of dosage. Colchicine is another common option during a severe gout attack. This drug is typically given every couple of hours until pain starts to subside or digestive symptoms develop. These symptoms can be quite debilitating, which creates a risk versus reward scenario for many patients. Medications to reduce uric acid levels can be offered, but provides little in the way of immediate relief. In truly severe cases, steroids may be injected into the joint affected by the attack. Use of steroids is often limited, however, as the risk of potentially severe side effects is rather high.

Non-pharmaceutical Treatments and Tips

While medications may be necessary in order to provide relief from severe pain, there are also simple things that someone suffering from a gout attack can do to find relief. An icepack can prove immeasurably beneficial when the burning pain of gout leaves the affected area excruciating to touch. Resting and elevating the affected joint can also be incredibly helpful. If the pain is such that the weight of a sock or sheet is too much to bear, there are even special cages and devices such as blanket bars and foot cradles that will allow the person to cover up without sheets and blankets coming into direct contact with the affected area. For many patients, these devices can mean the difference between sleeping sitting up or not sleeping at all versus a good night’s rest.

Other Treatments and Ideas

While herbal remedies for gout are largely meant to prevent attacks and to help with long term symptom resolution, many patients find fairly fast relief using herbs such as ginger and turmeric to help curb inflammation and related gout pain. Meditation can be another very useful tool when the patient is able to manage it. Research shows that meditation helps to ease stress and to curb the production of stress related hormones, which can help decrease pain sensations while increasing pain tolerance.

If your acute gout symptoms are too much to bear, speaking with a physician is always the best bet. There are many treatments available to help reduce the immediate pain that comes with a severe gout attack. Gout treatment takes many forms, and while there are numerous things you can do to reduce gout symptoms in the long run, finding acute relief can be critical.