Over-the-Counter Medications for Gout

Gout, a painful form of arthritis previously one of the diseases of the wealthy and the royals, has become widespread due to current eating habits that include a diet high in animal fats and animal flesh. Often the first symptom of gout appears in the joints of the big toe as excruciating, burning, tearing pain with angry red swelling and inflammation, disabling the individual. The variety of self-treatments for gout run from conventional painkillers to alternative remedies and common foods. Read on for a list of ways to help cure the pain of gout.

Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Medicines

Also referred to as NSAIDs, these medicines are available over the counter in pharmacies and grocery stores. They do not prevent the damage to the joints from advanced gout and are used to control pain. Nathan Wei, MD , a nationally known board-certified rheumatologist and author of the “Second Opinion Arthritis Treatment Kit,” urges caution when using NSAIDs because of side effects, such as:

• heartburn
  
• ulcers
  
• bleeding [2](# 'inline-reference::“Second Opinion Arthritis Treatment Kit”
  
• Nathan Wei
  
• 2009')

Their action prevents blood from clotting, and they can interfere with blood-thinning medications. NSAIDs help reduce swelling and pain in lower doses. Common names of over-the-counter medicines are Motrin, Advil and Aleve.

Topical Applications

Capsaicin cream, made from the active ingredient in chili peppers, is available in a topical application and has been shown to reduce painful symptoms of gout. It binds to pain receptors in the joint, reducing the sensitivity to stimuli. Dr. Robert W. Griffish notes that researchers at Oxford University in England have reported on the safety and efficacy of using Capsaicin cream for gout.

Foods as Gout Remedies

Black bean broth is rich in anthocyanins, which are natural anti-inflammatory agents found in tart cherries and black beans. A common gout pain remedy, black bean broth has been found effective by many readers of GoutPal.com 1. Easy to make, the recipe from GoutPal.com follows 1.

Use turtle or soy beans. “Rinse 200 grams (7 ounces) beans and remove any grit or other debris. Cover with 2 liters water and bring to the boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for 90 minutes. Strain the liquid, which is what you drink, and throw away the beans. Allow to cool, and gulp down about 1/2 liter of the broth.” Take this at the first signs of a gout attack.

Tart cherry juice has been found to be very effective as an over-the-counter treatment for gout. An anti-inflammatory rich in antioxidants, cherries can be consumed not only as cherry juice but in raw or canned form and will reduce painful gout symptoms.