Coping with the pain of gout
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For men (and some women), gout can be a source of considerable pain. A form of arthritis, gout may occur in any joint in the body such as the ankle or big toe.
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- Coping with the pain of gout
It’s National Pain Week - hosted by Chronic Pain Australia, with an aim to raise awareness of the impact of pain on everyday Australians and destigmatise the condition.
For men (and some women), gout can be a source of considerable pain. A form of arthritis, gout may occur in any joint in the body such as the ankle or big toe.
The following strategies may help to ease the pain of a gout flare up.
- Rest - Take as much weight as possible off the affected joints by resting during periods of acute pain. Take advantage of some downtime by catching up on some reading, or planning a healthy menu over the next week or two.
- Apply ice - Gout is an inflammatory condition, so applying ice to the affected area may offer pain relief. Apply the ice for 15-20 minutes, then allow the area to settle for 2 hours before reapplying.
- Drink plenty of water - Drink water instead of alcohol or sugar laden beverages. Staying well hydrated may help to dilute the blood and improve the delivery of nutrients and removal of waste products throughout your body.
- Learn relaxation techniques - Specific relaxation techniques such as imagery and deep breathing exercises may help to calm the mind and the body. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you.
How often do you experience gout flare ups? What methods do you use to help deal with gout pain?
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