How to use Epson Salt for Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis that causes tenderness, pain and swelling. Gout most commonly affects the lower legs and feet. Gout is caused by a build-up of urate crystals around the joints, due to high uric acid levels in the blood. Epsom salt used as a foot soak is a very effective way to treat gout and relieve the discomfort of the condition. Because Epsom salt is loaded with magnesium, it helps the body break down and release toxins. An Epsom soak is an easy, natural at-home treatment for relieving gout pain 23.

How to Use Epsom Salt for Gout

Fill a foot bath or large, deep bowl with warm water from the faucet. Make the water comfortably warm. The warmer the water is, the more effective the Epsom soak treatment will be, but do not scald yourself 2.

Add one to two cups of Epsom salt to the warm water and allow to dissolve.

Soak your feet and ankles in the Epsom salt solution for 20 or more minutes. You can soak up to an hour.

Add more hot water to the foot soak if the water cools. The heated water will help reduce swelling and inflammation related to gout, and will increase the Epsom salts' detoxifying power.

Remove feet from the soak and dry thoroughly.