Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by the presence of excess uric acid in the body and extremely painful. The abnormal metabolism of uric acid results in the excess of it in the tissues of the body and blood. In case of an individual who suffers from gout, the body either produces too much of uric acid or the kidneys are unable to excrete it. Gout can be a primary condition or can be associated with other medical conditions.

High levels of uric acid in the blood leads to the formation of urate crystals that get deposited in the joints. This causes excess inflammation and pain. Gout can affect anybody, irrespective of gender and age. However, men are more likely to suffer from this condition. Also, a large number of women are susceptible to gout after the period of menopause.

Gout causes an attack that can be described as a string or severe burning. These gout attacks can occur at any time, however, they are more likely to spring-up in the middle of the night. During a gout flare, the skin looks red and there is severe swelling in the joint. The base of the big toe joint is the most common place for gout, followed by the ankle, knee, elbow, and wrist. The pain is in the joint can be so excruciating that the mere touch of the finger can send down a burning sensation.

Gout comes with a few symptoms that begin with redness in the area and severe tenderness. A sudden attack can be the first sign and stop spontaneously after a while. The pain and swelling eventually disappear even without treatment but common returns after a few days in the same or another joint. As gout flares increase in frequency, the pain caused is much more severe and last longer.

Although the underlying cause of gout is uric acid, the condition can be triggered by several other factors. A sudden injury in the joint, chemotherapy and an infection can be few medical conditions that can be associated with causing the onset of a gout problem. Also, lifestyle choices such as excess alcohol consumption, consumption of sugary drinks, and food high in purines and dehydration are strong factors for triggering gout.

Seeking immediate medical treatment is important when one suspects signs that point towards gout. This is extremely necessary as it can be linked to other serious health issues. Home remedies and self-management can help in relieving the symptoms of gout and here are few that one should try:

Ginger root – Ginger root is believed to pack a whole lot of health benefits and has been used for treating health conditions since ancient times. It can also be used as an effective remedy for gout pain. The root comes with anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the burning sensation and lessens the excruciating pain. The easiest way to consume ginger root is by adding it to one’s food during cooking. Boiling ginger in a vessel of water and consuming it when cool is another way to consume the juices of ginger.

Keep the body hydrated – Gout pain is caused by excess accumulation of uric acid and flushing it out is necessary to bring relief. An individual should drink several glasses of water in a day and stay hydrated at all times. This helps in flushing out the uric acid from the body and keeps gout in control.

Apple cider vinegar – Apple cider vinegar for gout? Well, this remedy may come as a surprise to many but apple cider vinegar for gout treatment has a great effect in reducing gout swelling and pain. Apple cider vinegar for gout treatment is essential because it contains acid that alleviates pain and reduces inflammation over time. Apple cider vinegar for gout treatment is also helpful as it aids in weight loss. All one has to do is add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of lukewarm water and drink it at least two times a day. Apple cider vinegar for gout treatment is essential as it will aid in significantly reducing the symptoms.

Bananas – Bananas come packed with high levels of potassium that help in reducing uric crystals to liquid. This liquid is then excreted from the body through urine. Bananas should be consumed as a part of one’s daily diet.

Epsom salt – Epsom salt comes with a high level of magnesium and thus, works at reducing high blood pressure levels. The affected joint should be soaked in a mixture of Epsom salt and lukewarm water for about 20 mins daily. This will bring ease to the pain in the joint and bring also reduce redness and swelling.

Exercise – Exercise keeps the body healthy and fit, making it an activity to be practiced every day. It also reduces the level of uric acid in the blood and prevents depositing of uric crystal in the joints. Not only this, regular exercise helps in preventing gout flares and its frequency.

Apart from practicing all the above remedies, one should also reduce intake of sugary drinks, alcohol, and quit smoking as these habits can worsen the symptoms of gout and cause more pain.