Many different gout remedies are applied in various treatments. The remedies listed here deal with pain relief. You can see more details of how and why these treatments work in the Medication and Alternative sections. There are also other remedies for gout in the Prevention section.
Both medical and alternative remedies are listed below. Please note that even though an alternative remedy may not be as tightly controlled as most drugs, it can still have significant effects on your health, especially if you are also taking prescribed medication. As always, you should consult a qualified medical practitioner before starting any gout treatment.
To choose which remedies are best for you, study them and note any side effects. You should also pay attention to how remedies react with other conditions and with other remedies.
What are your best Gout Remedies?
This graph shows recent voting results for the gout remedies listed below.
Gout Pain Relief Remedies from 12 July 2005 to 23 March 2009
Remember, popularity is only a guide - you should study the remedies as they apply best to your own situation. In particular, pay careful attention to possible side effects and other conditions.
Finding a natural remedy for gout is the holy grail for gout sufferers. Here is one that you can easily make yourself - a simple and effective natural broth that is much cheaper than cherries.
Ibuprofen side effects do not stop it being the favorite of all gout remedies for pain relief. This NSAID (aka ibuprofin or ibuprophen) as a gel or cream, minimizes ibuprofen side effects.
Anti- inflammatory
Ice
Many people use ice for reducing swelling and easing pain.
The results of a small controlled clinical trial were published in the Journal of Rheumatology in February 2002. This report "Local ice therapy during bouts of acute gouty arthritis." does support the use of ice, but note that this trial also included the use of drugs (predinisone and colchicine) in both the trial and control groups.
For the best effect apply an ice pack for 10 minutes then apply a hot moist towel compress. It is important not to subject the joints to long periods of cold as this can increase the chance of uric acid crystals forming. Uric acid salts become less soluble when temperature is lowered.
Laser therapy for gout is a vital pain relief treatment. With virtually no side effects, can it really be as effective as pain relief medications?
Anti- inflammatory
NSAIDS (other)
NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) are common gout remedies. There are several different drugs, and some are marketed under different brand names. NSAIDs commonly cause stomach upset, and may contribute to heart attacks. A lot of research is being undertaken to clarify the safety of NSAIDs. I will keep you informed as research is completed.
If you want to vote for a specific NSAID that is effective for you, please tell me about it on the Other Gout Cures Form. Votes have already been cast for Percocet, Celebrex and Arthrotec. I will develop specific pages, as with ibuprofen, for popular NSAID gout remedies.
Anti Inflammatory
Other Analgesics
You can take general analgesics (excluding NSAIDS and other medications mentioned here) as gout remedies for pain relief. You need prescriptions for many, but you can buy many over the counter.
If you want to vote for a specific analgesic that is effective for you, please tell me about it on the Other Gout Cures Form. A reader has already voted for Loritab. I will develop specific pages for popular general analgesic gout remedies.
Find out if Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation will help you get rid of your gout pain.
Nerve Block, Endorphin Promotor
Wrap
One of the simplest and cheapest gout remedies for pain relief is to simply wrap the affected joint in a towel or similar. One of my readers has pointed out that a loosely wrapped towel helps relieve his pain at night and helps him sleep. I have also noticed how this helps, both in bed and generally through the day. This can work well in conjunction with ice therapy - use ice as shown above to help reduce swelling, but between treatments always keep the affected area warm.
Keep warm
You can vote for as many of these remedies as you like on this form. If your gout remedies are not listed, add them using the form at the foot of the Gout Cures page in the Your Gout Section.