Home Remedies for Gout Pain
Gout is a metabolic disease marked by sudden and severe pain in one or more joints especially those of the big toe
Gout is caused by excessively high uric acid levels in the blood This occurs either because the kidneys are not eliminating enough of the body’s uric acid or because too much uric acid is being produced
A gout is essentially a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden bouts of severe pain, inflammation, and tenderness in the joints, known as gout attacks.
Because of the strong connection between diets and gout, the condition was regarded as an affliction of the wealthy in the past. With modernization and social reforms in the past century, our economic condition has greatly improved and there is less disparity, particularly with regard to the foods we consume. This condition has, therefore, become a lot more common and can afflict absolutely anyone, although men are more susceptible, as are post-menopausal women.
When uric acid crystallizes, takes on a shape like that of a needle and, like a needle, it jabs its way into the joints. It seems to prefer the joint of the big toe, but other joints can be vulnerable as well, including the mid-foot, ankle, knee, wrist, and even the fingers.
Uric acid is more likely to crystallize at lower temperatures, which may explain why roughly 90 percent of gout attacks affect cooler extremities like the big toe. Acute pain is usually the first symptom. Then the affected joints become inflamed, almost infectedlooking—red, swollen, hot, and extremely sensitive to the touch. Repeated attacks of gout over a long period of time can lead to joint damage.
Emotional stress can trigger a gout attack, as can fatigue and minor trauma. Gout also can be caused by renal insufficiency. Gout used to be called “rich man’s disease” since an attack can be brought on by consuming a diet rich in fats or alcohol. In addition to the herbs listed below, other beneficial herbs to relieve the discomfort of gout include barberry, black currant, goldenrod, horehound, horsetail, speedwell, and strawberry.
Risk factors for developing gout include
- Excessive weight gain
- Moderate to heavy alcohol intake
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High levels of fat and cholesterol in the blood
- Narrowing of the arteries (arteriosclerosis)
- Abnormal kidney function
- Family history of gout