Caring for yourself is a very important aspect of gout treatment, regardless of whether or not you are on medication for your condition. Natural remedies for gout that you can use at home whether it is in the big toe, the knee, ankle or foot should only be seen as facilitating the healing process and the relief of painful symptoms, they are not meant to treat the condition itself.
It is imperative that recommendations made by your physician are meticulously adhered to, taking medications as advised. Whenever a gout attack flares make sure the first thing you do is rest and if possible do not use the affected area. Try to rest with the affected area elevated if possible. If the affected area makes it difficult to move around comfortably then use a cane or walking stick for support. It will help even if you regard it as unnecessary.
For quick pain relief try covering the affected area with an ice pack or cold compresses as these will relieve pain and reduce inflammation. You can also try applying hemorrhoid cream to the area to reduce inflammation. At all times keep yourself well hydrated as this will reduce the risk of further gout flair ups.
Home Natural Remedies For Gout
Cherries
Cherries are considered a very effective way to treat gout. Begin by eating 15 to 20 cherries a day preferably early morning. You can reduce the amount over a period. You can also drink cherry juice for the same effect. The antioxidant in cherries called anthocyanins helps to relieve inflammation and reduce gout flare ups ( Read more about cherry juice for gout).
Vegetable Juices
Amongst the natural remedies are raw vegetable juices. An effective treatment seems to be a cocktail of carrot, beetroot and cucumber juice. Add 100ml and 100ml of cucumber juice to 300ml of carrot juice and consume on a daily basis.
French Beans Juice
Another effective juice for treating gout is made from French or string beans. For those suffering from gout about 150ml of this juice should be consumed daily.
Apples
Another excellent source for treating gout are apples. Apples contain malic acid that is believed to neutralise the uric acid in the body and afford relief to sufferers. All that is needed is to consume one apple after very meal.
Lime
Another source for the treatment of gout is Lime. Vitamin C prevents and cures soreness in the joints by strengthening the connective tissues of the body. Acting as a solvent for the uric acid which is the primary cause of gout. The juice of half a lime squeezed into a glass of water is taken twice daily.
Lemon Juice
By stimulating the formation of calcium carbonate in the body lime juice helps to prevent attacks of gout. Calcium carbonate neutralises acids in the body including the uric acid which is the trigger for gout attacks. One freshly squeezed lemon in a glass of luke-warm water after each meal is recommended. A little tip, to get the most from juice from your lemon, bring it to room temperature and role it around on your work surface with the palm of your hand.
Always remember, whatever you take ensure your health care provider is aware.