Gout issues often occur in conjunction with hyperuricemia, and to some extent, hyperuricemia is the basis for the onset of gout problems. The main cause of hyperuricemia is closely related to abnormal purine metabolism. Therefore, for gout patients, it is necessary to strictly control their diet to avoid exacerbation of gout issues. So how should gout swelling and pain be relieved after gout problems occur? Here are some suggestions:

Methods for Relieving Gout Swelling and Pain

1. Keep gout pain relief medications handy. When gout attacks, drugs such as colchicine and glucocorticoids can be used. These drugs have excellent analgesic effects, and using them is the fastest and most effective method when gout patients have an attack. However, these drugs can have negative effects on the body, so it is necessary to carefully consider their use.

2. Apply crushed ice for cold compress. If the pain relief medications are unavailable or used up, a bag filled with crushed ice can be used for cold compress. Ice has a numbing and analgesic effect. Place the bag of crushed ice on the affected joint for 20 minutes, preferably with a towel or sponge in between. Additionally, it is important to avoid using a hot towel or hot water to soak the feet, as this can raise body temperature, leading to increased inflammatory response and edema, and causing more discomfort for the patient.

3. Elevate the leg. During acute gout attacks, it is best to rest in bed and elevate the leg , approximately at a 30-degree angle. This can not only avoid collisions with other objects but also facilitate venous blood return and reduce pain. When lying down, it is helpful to place a soft object under the leg.

4. Use epsom salt. Also known as magnesium sulfate, epsom salt has calming, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and swelling-reducing effects. Gout patients can immerse their feet in water containing epsom salt for 20-30 minutes to reduce pain and also help excrete uric acid from the body.

5. Consume uric acid-lowering tea. For those with high uric acid levels and gout, long-term conditioning is essential for treating gout. The chrysanthemum and gardenia tea recipe recorded in the ancient medical book "Jin Kui Yao Lue" was used by ancient Chinese emperors for gout conditioning. Its effectiveness has been recognized and inherited by modern medicine. This tea can clear heat and detoxify, promote urination and reduce swelling, help break down uric acid crystals, lower uric acid levels, promote uric acid excretion, and also have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, providing good adjunctive treatment for gout.