Saturday, October 8, 2011

Treating Gout

There are many different types of arthritis, and one common type that affects many people is Gout. Gout can often be very painful, and often affects the toes, knees, and ankles. Walking with gout can be difficult for many people, and stairs are often equally distressing. Learning ways to treat this condition as well as make adaptions in your home can make it much easier to cope with it.
Most medical professionals agree that Gout is caused by a build up of uric acid in the body. This is usually a signal that there may be something disrupting the normal kidney function in the body. While doctors will often acknowledge this, they typically do not have many different treatments available to help one, other than to recommend taking painkillers. However, this can be dangerous, since pain killers can easily become habit forming and cause even larger problems than the arthritic pain.
For this reason, after getting a proper diagnosis from a doctor, many people turn to natural home remedies. There are a number of things that people will try, and it is important before trying any of them that you first consult with a doctor, since natural does not always mean safe.
Often making dietary changes can help relieve some of the pain. Drinking lemon juice each day, eating cherries, and drinking cranberry juice are all ways to help your kidneys function better. Some have had success with various herbal supplements, such as Swedish bitters as well. Epsom salt soaks can often help with relaxing the joints and the pain, as well as detoxify the body.
If you do not have any success with dietary changes or supplements, the next step is to try to make your home more comfortable. If stairs are an issue for example, you may want to install a stair lift or consider finding a home which does not have steps.
Being diagnosed with Gout does not have to mean you have to suffer. Making a few dietary changes and making your home more comfortable are all things you can do to help relieve the pain and get back to enjoying life as you should.

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