If you are experiencing gout pain for the first time there are some home remedies for gout that can give you gout pain relief even before you see your doctor.   Because gout is a serious medical condition, it is important that you see your physician for gout pain relief.

Gout Pain Relief Home Remedies:

  • Warm Towel – Wrap the affected joint loosely with a warm towel, especially if you are trying to sleep.
  • Ice packs and/or alternating heat on the affected area. This helps reduce swelling but check with your doctor for how long you should use the ice pack.  Cold temperatures make uric acid crystals less soluble.
  • Epsom Salt Bath – Soak the affected area for about a half hour.
  • Cherry Juice - Cherry juice and fresh or frozen cherries can lower uric levels.
  • Baking Soda – Dissolve about a teaspoon in water and drink a couple of times a day.
  • Black Bean Broth* – A tasty gout home remedy.  Try drinking  about 3 cups of broth at the first sign of a gout flare or drink a cup a day to prevent a gout pain.  (recipe below)
  • Castor Oil Pack – Soak a piece of cloth in castor oil – you can warm it first but be careful. Wring out the excess and gently wrap it around the affected joint; and then cover it with plastic wrap.

Other Gout Remedies For Gout Pain Relief:

Over-the-counter Medicines

  • NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) – Ibuprofen, Naproxen Sodium – reduces swelling and pain.
  • Acetaminophen: Relieves gout pain.
  • Note: Aspirin is not recommended for gout pain relief because it can raise uric acid levels.

Prescription Medications:

  • Allopurinol – Lowers blood uric acid by preventing uric acid production.
  • ColBenemid – Combination of Probenecid, an uricosuric agent, and Colchicine.
  • Colchicine – Works to reduce inflammation and acute gout attacks.
  • Corticosteroids – Reduces inflammation.
  • Febuxostat – Reduces serum uric acid levels by blocking xanthine oxidase.
  • Indomethacin – The most prescribed medication for gout pain relief.
  • Losartan – Antihypertensive drug that may help control uric acid levels.
  • Probenecid – Decreases uric acid blood levels by increasing uric acid excretion.

Somethings to try in order to prevent gout flares:

  • Drink water – always keep hydrated
  • Don’t drink alcohol
  • Eat a low purine diet
  • Maintain a healthy weight

Important Things To Remember For Gout Pain Relief

It’s important that you contact your physician if you think you have gout.   Gout is a serious medical condition, so don’t hesitate to make that doctor’s appointment.

Inform your healthcare provider of all medications, herbs, vitamin and mineral supplements that you have been taking.

Be sure to follow all instructions given to you by your doctor.  Certain medications work better when they are taken at the beginning of a gout attack to help with gout pain relief.  Take all medications as recommended. Being consistent is important when treating gout pain.

Get plenty of rest when experiencing a gout attack – too much activity may cause another gout flare.  You may have to rest for a few days.

Only use ice per your doctor’s instructions.

Make a follow-up appointment with your physician to make sure you have your gout under control.   It’s good to check in with your doctor so you stay informed about new medications for gout pain relief.

*Here’s an easy recipe for Black Bean Broth:

1/2 pound of black beans – rinse before cooking

Cover with 8 cups of water and bring to a boil

Reduce heat, and simmer for 90 minutes

Strain the broth and throw out the beans

There you go, a few things to do to get gout pain relief.