"What Should I Do About Swollen Feet Due to Gout?"
Treatment of Swelling in Gout-Affected Feet
When gout patients experience swelling in their feet, they can alleviate the symptoms through general treatment and medication. If these methods do not provide satisfactory results, it is crucial to promptly seek medical attention and select an appropriate treatment plan under the guidance of a doctor.
I. General Treatment
- Elevation of Affected Limb: During acute gout attacks or intermittent periods, elevate the lower extremities appropriately to promote blood circulation backflow and alleviate local edema symptoms.
- Cold Compress: In the early stages of acute gout attacks, apply ice packs or ice cubes to the affected area to constrict capillaries, thereby reducing exudate and aiding in swelling reduction and pain relief. However, avoid frostbite.
- Warm Compress: Once pain is somewhat controlled, soak feet in hot water to improve blood circulation. Alternatively, wrap a hot water bottle in a towel and apply it to the feet to promote inflammation absorption and resolution, facilitating the elimination of swelling.
II. Medication
For foot swelling caused by acute gout attacks, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Diclofenac Sodium Sustained-Release Tablets can be prescribed under a doctor's guidance. Concurrently, urate synthesis inhibitors and alkaline medications like Allopurinol Tablets, Benzbromarone Tablets, and Sodium Bicarbonate Tablets should be administered for comprehensive management. Additionally, glucocorticoid medications like Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection, when prescribed, can often yield therapeutic effects.
In daily life, gout patients are advised to maintain a balanced diet rich in low-purine foods like steamed egg custard and millet porridge, and strictly abstain from alcohol and smoking to avoid hindering recovery.
