The main symptoms of gout are joint tenderness, redness, and rapid pain attacks. This complex form of arthritis can affect anybody and the pain attacks can occur at any time even in the middle of the night. The affected joint becomes really hot, swollen and tender and you may find even the weight of a paper sheet intolerable. What are the best treatments for gout?

Primary objectives of gout treatment

The objectives of the treatment for gout are immediate pain relief and better protection against future attacks.

Treating a severe gout attack

The immediate step you must do is to give rest to the affected joints. Ice must be used to lower the swelling and when you see the symptoms of this disease, you have to take short-term medications according to the advice of your doctor. Generally, the doctor prescribes oral corticosteroids, colchicine, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Managing long-term gout and getting protection against future attacks

If you have been experiencing symptoms for an extended period of time without any treatment, the condition may become chronic and it may affect more than one joint. In such a situation, you need to take medicines according to the instructions of your doctor. The first priority should be to safeguard you from future attacks. You have to discuss with the doctor about the medications you are taking because certain medications can increase the uric acid level. Immediate steps should be taken to control your weight, and you must start exercising for this purpose. Alcohol consumption must be limited, and you need to stop the intake of seafood and red meat. Doctors prescribe special medications for long-term care. Most popular medications include uricosuric agents, Xanthine oxidase inhibitors, Pegloticase, Colchicine and in rare cases, doctors recommend surgery as well.

Home remedies for treatment for gout

If you are suffering from mild attacks, you can make use of some home remedies to control the pain and manage the discomforts easily.

• Ginger root is a good option
  Ginger root is immensely popular for its anti-inflammatory properties and brings immediate relief to inflammation and pain. You can make use of ginger in different ways when it comes to treatment for gout. One way of using it is to combine equal portions of dried ginger root, turmeric powder, and fenugreek powder and you can take one teaspoon of this mixture in combination with warm water. Taking it two times a day offers good results. Ginger root can be added to cooking recipes and a small piece of raw ginger root can be eaten daily. Another method is to combine boiling water and ginger root and this solution can be taken once daily. A paste can be made using water and it can be applied to the affected area. After 30 minutes, you can wash the paste away.
• Consuming cherries offers good results
  No matter whether cherries are sour or sweet; they are extremely effective in the treatment of gout because of their excellent antioxidant properties. Cherries are also a good source of anthocyanins and they minimize flare-ups and reduce inflammation effectively. The health experts recommend eating 15 to 20 cherries daily and for better results, you can begin your day with eating cherries. Drinking a glass of black cherry juice once in a day is a good option and a small amount of minced garlic cloves can be added to the juice as well.
• Apple cider vinegar delivers amazing results
  Apple cider vinegar is extensively utilized for treating acid stomach and headache. It can also be used for the treatment of gout and arthritis as well. The acidic nature of the cider vinegar relieves severe pain and for creating an anti-inflammatory response, honey can be added to it. One teaspoon of raw, unfiltered cider vinegar should be mixed with a glass of water and this mixture must be taken three times a day. If you find this remedy beneficial, the apple cider vinegar dose can be increased to two tablespoons.
• Lemon juice is an excellent choice
  If you want to relieve the pain associated with gout, you have to make efforts to alkalize your body and unwanted quantity of uric acid must be eliminated from the bloodstream. Lemon juice can perform both these tasks. A combination of fresh lemon juice and baking soda offers excellent results. In addition to lemon juice, you can also consume fruits that are rich in vitamin C to provide added strength to the tissues. Juice taken from one lemon should be combined with a one-half teaspoon of baking soda and set aside for a few seconds to stop the fizzing. Then, it should be mixed with a glass of water before consuming.

Other substances that can be used for natural treatment of gout include Epsom salt, garlic, carom seeds, castor oil and coriander as well.