Gout is a condition caused by deposits of uric acid in joints. It involves a great deal of pain in the leg and foot joints. Chronic gout has recurrent episodes; in some cases it only occurs once every few years, in others a couple times a year. While there is no cure for gout, there are treatment methods and ways to manage it.
Instructions
1. Go see your doctor when you feel an episode coming on. Your doctor can prescribe you some medications to reduce the acid levels. These drugs include; allopurinol, probenecid and sulfinpyrazone. If your feet or legs are excessively swollen your doctor can also give you a cortisone shot or steroid shot to reduce the swelling.
2. Drink lots and lots of water. This will help flush out the acids and clean out your system. Avoid alcohol, as it makes kidney functioning more difficult. Stay away from drugs (prescription and otherwise) that will affect your body acid levels, especially your uric acid level.
3. Soak your feet in a foot bath or your legs in a warm bathtub. A gentle massage can help with the pain and discomfort--as long as it is gentle, no deep poking or proding.
4. Take pain killers to help with the joint pain. Take as directed on the bottle. If they don't seem to provide enough relief, talk to your doctor and see if they will prescribe you a stronger pain killer.
5. Wear thick socks to keep your feet as comfortable as possible. The more cushioning the better. Try to always wear comfortable shoes when forced to wear shoes. Otherwise go barefoot and allow your feet to breathe.
Tags: your feet, your doctor, acid levels, help with, uric acid