Home Care for Gout
Gout is a condition often mentioned in literature and historical
records. Described as a painful inflammation of the limbs,
especially the big toe, gout develops as a result of the buildup
of uric acid crystals in the joints. Some people are more prone
to it based on family history. Chances are that many of their
ancestors suffered from it, as well. But other people get it due
to their own physiology and lifestyle choices. A form of
arthritis, a gout attack can be crippling and keep a person out
of commission for one or more days while nursing their painful
joints.
If you or someone you know suffers from this disease, you may
be involved in home care to manage discomfort and help the
person to get through the difficult attack. There are several
things you can do to help someone cope with the inflammation and
discomfort of gout.
1. Keep the foot elevated. It's hard to stay immobile for any
length of time, let alone keep a foot aloft for several hours.
Arrange a comfortable spot in the living room or family room
where the person can remain part of family life and enjoy
entertainments like the television, newspaper, and even guest
visits. You might want to set up a second area in the bedroom
where the person can rest in private or take a nap.
2. Make the support materials comfortable and firm. When
propping the foot, use a solid pillow or folded blanket for
support, taking care that they will not sag and gradually lower
the foot. Place these in such a way that they are not likely to
fall or tilt. Use clean and soft, rather than scratchy, fabric
to keep the skin comfortable.
3. Avoid trigger foods. The doctor will provide a list of
these, which include popular low-fat foods like turkey, so you
will want to find suitable substitutes, especially if the person
likes to keep turkey on hand for frequent meals. Go over the
list with the gout sufferer and beside each forbidden food, come
up with two or three replacements. Then shop for these and keep
them on hand, since you never know when the next attack will
occur, and they can come on suddenly.
4. Eat wholesome foods that reduce inflammation. The doctor
should also be able to provide this list, which includes
surprisingly tasty choices like cherries. Ask about flax seed
oil as a supplement in addition to foods like salmon, with omega
3 oil, and tea, both of which have been shown to reduce or limit
inflammation in the body.
5. Prepare diversions. Keep entertaining videos, interesting
books, letter-writing materials, or even a laptop computer
nearby. Hand-held puzzles, knitting or sewing, and other
stationary games or distractions can be of help. As Hamlet said,
"The readiness is all."