Gout (gouty arthritis) is a chronic condition that affects the joints and is characterized by a disruption in protein metabolism in the human body. In this disorder, the kidneys in the human body cannot excrete uric acid from the body. As a result, crystals of uric acid - urate salts accumulate in the joints, cartilage, tendons of bones, under the skin, and in the kidneys. Such deposition disrupts the functioning of organs and joints, causing extensive inflammation in tissues.
Uric acid is formed during the breakdown of purines in the body - nitrogen-containing compounds that are an essential component of the cell nucleus, abundant in meat. The human body produces purines in small quantities, so the necessary amount for vital functions is obtained from food. In addition to a genetic predisposition to metabolic disorders, our diet is a cause of gout development.
Symptoms and Signs of the Disease
The main symptom of the disease is the formation of growths (tophi) on the joints of the hands and feet. This indicates significant deposition of uric acid salts
The main manifestation of the disease is a gout attack. This is inflammation of one or several joints. Often, it can be preceded by increased heart rate and nausea. The most common localization of gout is the joint of the big toe, and other joints such as the ankle, knee, elbow, spine, and interphalangeal joints can also be affected. Severe sharp or pressing pain in gout usually occurs more often at night. The affected area swells, becomes red, and the skin becomes shiny, with an increase in temperature. The duration of an attack can vary from several days to one and a half weeks. The frequency of attacks also varies from several months to decades. With each new attack, new joints may be affected by inflammation.
Gout Treatment at Home
How to treat gout at home? When it comes to treating gout, it primarily involves maximizing the reduction of uric acid levels in the body and taking measures necessary during a gout attack. This task is also pursued by the treatment of gout at home using folk remedies. A list of remedies that can reduce uric acid levels in the body and alleviate pain in the inflamed joint:
- strict adherence to the diet;
- compresses (applications) and ointments
- joint baths;
- infusions and decoctions.
How to relieve a gout attack at home
Home treatment of gout is a set of measures necessary during the onset of an attack. In this case, it is necessary to:
- the patient needs strict bed rest;
- the affected limb should be elevated;
- on the affected joint, you need to apply a compress with Vishnevsky ointment or a healing decoction;
- take a pain reliever;
- strict "fasting" diet – liquid porridge, vegetable broth;
- drink as much as possible: mineral water, lemon juice — alkaline drinks.
Aspirin as a pain reliever will not help; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as diclofenac, nimesulide, etc., are required.
Dietary compliance
The most important role in treating gout at home is played by diet and an active lifestyle. It is important to understand the difference between a diet and fasting, an active lifestyle, and exhausting workouts.
The goal of exhausting the body is not pursued. On the contrary, with a sharp decrease in body weight, the level of uric acid also increases rapidly, leading to gout attacks.
Within the framework of the dietary regimen, it is necessary to exclude alcohol, spices, complex fats, carbohydrates, and animal proteins from the diet (read more in the article: "What not to eat with gout"). As for an active lifestyle, cycling, fitness, gymnastics, and walking are recommended for gout.
Treatment of gout with compresses and ointments
To reduce inflammation in joints affected by gout, various compresses (applications) are used at home. The recipes for their preparation, as well as the materials, are diverse, so the list below includes the best ones.
Fish Compress
Primarily used as a home remedy for gout on the feet. To prepare it, you'll need meat from any fish, separated from the bone (2 kg) and 10 packets (or plastic wrap). The mass should be divided into 10 equal parts. Overnight, the affected joint is smeared with fish and wrapped with a packet or plastic wrap. The compress should be covered with warm clothing (socks, gloves, pajamas). The course duration is 10 days, so it's better to freeze the fish and thaw one portion per day.
Treatment of gout with iodine
Йод — незаменимое средство любой домашней аптечки. Лечение подагры йодом в домашних условиях приносит значительные результаты. С его помощью можно снизить воспаление и даже воспрепятствовать отложению мочекислых солей в суставах на ранних стадиях. Для приготовления специального раствора понадобится 10 мл. йода и 5 таблеток ацетилсалициловой кислоты (аспирина). Таблетки необходимо растворить в в 10 мл йода. Полученным раствором необходимо смазывать пораженные суставы перед сном. Затем, обработанные места необходимо укутать теплой одеждой.
Treatment of gout with activated carbon
A paste based on activated charcoal effectively reduces joint inflammation and alleviates pain. To prepare it, you will need: a pack of activated charcoal (10 tablets), 1 tablespoon of flax seeds. Crush the activated charcoal (or grind it), add flaxseed powder, and a little water to achieve the desired paste-like consistency.
Apply the obtained paste on the joints overnight. After application, it is necessary to wrap it with a plastic bag or food wrap and cloth.
Gout ointment at home
The ointment, made from simple products that are easily found in the store, effectively helps relieve pain during a gout attack at night. To prepare it, you only need two ingredients: butter (preferably homemade) and alcohol. The butter needs to be melted on the fire, then pour the same amount of alcohol into it. After that, the alcohol is ignited (carefully!) and when the burning process is complete, the ointment will be ready.
The container with the ointment should be kept in a cool place and used directly during a gout attack. The ointment should be rubbed into the affected gouty areas until the pain subsides. It is better to do this near a source of warmth.
Compress with a decoction of pharmacy chamomile
Relieves pain and inflammation, a decoction of pharmacy chamomile and black elderberry. Flowers of herbs in equal proportions are poured with a small amount of water and heated. Boiling is not necessary. Then, the fabric is soaked in the resulting decoction and used to cover the inflamed joints.
Joint baths
Sometimes inflammation and pain in joints affected by gout can be so severe that the pressure from a compress or ointment is too much for the patient to bear. In such cases, joint baths come to the rescue. The liquid soothes inflamed areas and helps reduce pain.
Joint bath with iodine
Iodine baths help reduce inflammation and shrink nodules. To prepare, you will need iodine (9-10 drops), baking soda (2-3 teaspoons), and warm water (3 liters). The ingredients are mixed, and the bath is ready.
Chamomile decoction bath for joints
To prepare a bath for joints with pharmacy chamomile, chamomile flowers (100 g) are brewed in 10 liters of water with the addition of table salt or iodized salt (200 g).
Decoctions and tinctures
The purpose of all kinds of infusions and decoctions is to influence the disease from within the body. They play a significant role both in removing uric acid from the body and in relieving pain during an attack.
Lilac tincture
To prepare tincture from common lilac, fill a container with lilac flowers without pressing them down and pour alcohol over them. The mixture should be infused in a dark place for 7 days. Course of intake: 25-30 drops 3 times a day before meals.
Infusion on the flowers of the string
Regular consumption of ground-ivy decoction improves the overall condition of the body and reduces inflammation. It should be consumed hot. Pour hot boiled water over the ground-ivy flowers and infuse for 15 minutes.
Infusion of Professor Sokolov
This infusion is recommended during gout attacks. First, dry ingredients should be mixed: blue violet flowers (5 tsp), juniper berries (5 tsp), pear bark (5 tsp), peony flowers (5 tsp), calendula flowers (5 tsp), stinging nettle leaves (10 tsp), black elderberry flowers (10 tsp), field horsetail (20 tsp), willow bark (20 tsp), young birch leaves (20 tsp). One tablespoon of the resulting mixture is poured with boiling water (300 ml), wrapped in a warm cloth, and infused for half an hour. The ready decoction should be consumed completely and the procedure repeated every two hours until relief is achieved.
Onion broth
This infusion is recommended during gout attacks. First, dry ingredients should be mixed: blue violet flowers (5 tsp), juniper berries (5 tsp), pear bark (5 tsp), peony flowers (5 tsp), calendula flowers (5 tsp), stinging nettle leaves (10 tsp), black elderberry flowers (10 tsp), field horsetail (20 tsp), willow bark (20 tsp), young birch leaves (20 tsp). One tablespoon of the resulting mixture is poured with boiling water (300 ml), wrapped in a warm cloth, and infused for half an hour. The ready decoction should be consumed completely and the procedure repeated every two hours until relief is achieved.
Prevention of gout flare-ups
Nevertheless, it is easier to prevent the disease than to deal with it, as, as already mentioned, it is impossible to completely cure gout, both at home and in clinical conditions. The main factors in preventing the development of gout are balanced nutrition and an active lifestyle. If you have a desire to avoid gout attacks, it is essential to reconsider your lifestyle. What may seem like everyday details can affect your health over time
You need to reconsider your addictions and give up:
- excessive consumption of “invigorating” drinks (strong tea, coffee, cocoa, etc.);
- drinking alcohol (especially beer products);
- eating fast food and food stuffed with spices and smoked meats;
- eating monotonous meat foods;
- sedentary lifestyle.
It is necessary to limit the intake of protein-rich food, increase physical activity, and think about the future.
Just a few simple steps can help prevent the development of a disease that, besides severe pain, can lead to very serious complications, up to a fatal outcome. This is the best recipe! The choice is yours! Stay healthy!