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Gout — the most common type of inflammatory arthritis — happens when high levels of uric acid form crystals in your joints. If too many crystals accumulate in a joint, it can trigger a gout attack. 

If you’re one of the , you know all too well just how painful an attack can be.

Here at 91桃色视频, PC, in Midtown and Downtown Manhattan, our providers help New Yorkers manage gout with at-home remedies and prescription medications.

Read on to learn more about the strategies you can implement to help manage your gout at home.

At-home remedies for gout

If you’re dealing with chronic gout, these at-home remedies can help. 

1. Drink more water

Water helps flush uric acid out of your system and reduces the likelihood of crystal formation in your joints. Aim to drink at least 64 ounces of water daily, especially during a flare-up.

What you don’t drink is just as important. Avoid alcohol (especially beer) and sugary drinks — both of which can exacerbate gout symptoms. 

2. Use a cold compress

If you're experiencing a gout flare-up, apply a cold compress to your affected joint. The cold temperatures can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

You can find gel packs designed for specific joints, but you can also wrap an ice pack in a thin towel and apply it directly to your joint. Never place ice directly on your skin.

3. Change your diet

Foods high in purines — a compound that occurs naturally in some foods but is broken down into uric acid by your body — can trigger a gout attack. The foods highest in purines include red meat, game meat, alcohol, high fructose corn syrup, sweet treats, turkey, and seafood.

Revamp your diet, so it’s . Cherries and , for example, have been shown to lower uric acid and reduce inflammation. Other good-for-you foods include low-fat dairy products, tofu, nuts, seeds, beans, and whole grains. 

Don’t forget to add spices and herbal teas to your diet! Spices like contain anti-inflammatory properties.

While a low purine diet helps manage gout, it also helps

4. Elevate your joint

To reduce swelling and pain, try elevating the joint affected by gout. This can help decrease blood flow to the area and alleviate some of the discomfort. Prop the painful joint up on pillows while resting.

During a gout attack, some people find that even a bedsheet touching their toe is painful when this is the area affected. If this is the case for you, consider using a . This simple, adjustable frame fits under your sheets and keeps the weight of your sheets and blankets off your sensitive toes and feet.

5. Exercise more

While you shouldn’t exercise during a flare-up — that’s a time for rest, ice, and elevation — regular exercise can help with gout. Exercise helps:

• Reduce inflammation
• Improve your mental wellness
• Maintain a healthy weight (which helps with all types of arthritis)

Don’t overdo it! Even leisurely walks after dinner can count toward your daily exercise goals.

6. Reduce your stress levels

Stress can trigger gout attacks, so find ways to manage your stress levels. Try to find the source of your stress and mitigate it. For example, if your commute is stressful, consider switching transportation methods or leaving earlier to allow for a less rushed commute.

Exercise, relaxing hobbies, listening to music, and spending time in nature (whether in or ) can be very soothing. Yoga, medication, and deep breathing can also help lower your cortisol levels. 

7. Keep a symptom log

Keep track of your gout symptoms, including when they occur and what might trigger them. This can help you identify patterns and avoid activities or foods that exacerbate your condition. While this doesn’t technically help stop a flare-up, it can help you identify patterns and avoid future flare-ups.

8. Take medication as directed

Medications commonly used to help control gout include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), , and corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation and relieve pain during flare-ups. 

Urate-lowering medications like and febuxostat help prevent future attacks by reducing uric acid levels in your blood. Taking these medications at home as directed can reduce the frequency of flare-ups and minimize long-term joint damage.

What to do when at-home remedies aren’t enough

While at-home remedies can be effective, it's important to work with your 91桃色视频, PC, provider to manage your gout. Our team may prescribe:

• Corticosteroids, oral or injected 
• Medication to lower uric acid levels in your body 

Help for your gout is just a call or click away. Schedule an appointment with our team today.