Can Hot Compress Be Applied to the Affected Area for Gout?

Gout Management: Hot Compress and Comprehensive Approach

Patients with gout can apply hot compresses to the affected area, with caution regarding temperature and duration. Gout is a metabolic disorder primarily caused by excessive uric acid production or reduced excretion, leading to elevated blood uric acid levels.

Etiology:

The occurrence of gout is associated with genetic factors, environmental factors, and dietary habits. When purine metabolism is disrupted in the body, uric acid accumulates, forming urate crystals that deposit in joints, triggering gout. Prolonged exposure to cold environments can also impede local blood circulation, exacerbating inflammatory responses.

Symptoms:

During acute gout attacks, the primary manifestations include redness, swelling, and pain in the affected joints, with severe cases restricting joint mobility. Untreated, these episodes may recur frequently.

Treatment:

For acute gout attacks, patients can take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) under medical supervision, such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets. Additionally, medications that promote uric acid excretion, like benzbromarone tablets or probenecid tablets, can be prescribed. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Daily, patients should maintain a balanced diet, avoiding high-purine foods like animal livers and seafood, while ensuring adequate rest, sleep, and avoiding late nights.