Gout pain is perhaps one of the most severe pains anyone can experience. In other articles on this site we deal with aspects of managing the condition, but when that needle sharp pain flares up and your affected area has glaring red skin all you want is gout pain relief as quickly as possible.
You can of course go to your healthcare professional and get some fast acting but expensive medication to deal with the pain, but what about dealing with it at home? There are many tried and tested remedies that you can keep in your home and can be purchased cheaply at your local grocery store or pharmacy.
Medicinal Remedies
According to research many people use ibuprofen as their preferred pain killer for gout flare ups. This does ease a portion of the pain and will reduce the inflammation of the affected area.
Traditional Remedies
Many people use cherry juice as their preferred treatment for gout pain (Read more on cherry juice here). Consuming cherries or cherry juice is a proven way to reduce the inflammatory effects of gout and therefore reduces pain. For the best results drink two cups of cherry juice per day and continue for the duration of the flare up.
Another traditional remedy is an ice pack placed on the affected area which will reduce the swelling and inflammation. You can also alternate hot and cold packs on to the affected area that will also slowly ease the pain and inflammation. You can also try soaking the affected area in an Epsom salt bath for half an hour or so which some people say gives good pain relief.
Another suggestion recommended is that of a castor oil pack, start this by soaking a cloth in castor oil and then wringing out the excess,Wrap it round the affected area and compress it with a plastic wrap. Then apply heat using a heating pad or hot water bottle for about an hour, for best results repeat twice a day.
More Home Remedies
Those requiring gout pain relief will not be afraid putting in a little effort if it is going to work so try this remedy: A charcoal and flax seed poultice spread on the affected area and left overnight could give you the much wanted pain relief you are seeking. To make, combine 1/2 cup of activated charcoal and 3 tablespoons of finely ground flax seed. Add a little warm at a time until you have created a spreadable paste. Spread this paste on the affected area and cover with cloth and a plastic to hold it securely. The dressing should be changed every four hours or be left on overnight. This paste can stain clothing and bed sheets so take extra care.
Another remedy that requires a little effort but taken as a daily drink can help to relieve the painful effects of gout is a black bean broth. To make rinse 7 ounces of black beans and cover with two quarts of water in a pan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and set timer for 90 minutes. When finished strain the liquid-you will be keeping it- and throw away the black beans. Allow the broth to cool and drink about a quarter of it several times a day to decrease the effects of gout. This can also be used as a daily drink to help prevent painful gout inflammation.
See the article on Natural Remedies for Gout.