A good way to relieve gout swelling is by consuming enough water to flush excess uric acid from the body. Uric acid build up is a contributing factor of swelling and inflammation. You can also apply ice at 20-minute intervals throughout the day directly to the swollen area to reduce the pain and swelling caused by gout. Limit your intake or avoid foods such as beans and all legumes, mushrooms, alcohol, and shellfish. Anti-inflammatory drugs can help as well.
In addition to icing the painful area, it is important to rest the affected body part. When you are experiencing a painful flare-up affecting the foot, for example, stay off your feet. Relax throughout the day as much as possible. If lying in bed or on a favorite chair, prop up your affected foot to keep it elevated and alleviate the pain. Putting too much pressure on the swollen area by standing or walking too much can further increase swelling and pain.
Gout swelling is a direct result of inflammation. To reduce the inflammation and help ease the pain, take an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen. You can also take aspirin, although if you are taking an anticoagulant blood-thinning drug, you should not use this medication. In severe cases of swelling and pain, a medical professional may prescribe a higher dose NSAID.
To prevent future flare-ups of painful gout swelling and inflammation, you may want to re-evaluate your diet and alter some eating habits, as well as keep your weight under control. Being overweight can worsen symptoms of gout. If you consume beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages regularly, limit your intake. Seafood and red meat should be consumed in moderation as well, and avoid rich gravies and sauces in your diet to help reduce gout symptoms.
If you're looking for natural remedies, aloe vera gel can be very helpful. Aloe has natural anti-inflammatory properties, so rubbing the juice derived from an aloe plant (or some aloe gel from a bottle) into the inflamed skin can help relieve the swelling.
A healthful way to decrease the pain associated with gout is to eat some fresh fruit rich in antioxidants. Experts suggest that consuming blueberries, cherries, or cherry juice may help reduce inflammation. Especially helpful are the deeper red, tart cherries. This type of fruit contains anthocyanins, which contain beneficial and powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Some researchers have discovered that these tart cherries may provide more anti-inflammatory benefits than aspirin.
