Gout crystals are basically crystals having a needle-like shape that are formed due to presence of high uric acid levels in our blood. When the uric acid levels get high, with the passage of time, urate crystals are formed which later on gets deposited in your joints, tendons and the surrounding tissues. Our body’s immune system sees these as ‘foreign’ bodies that have to be attacked. There is a rush of white blood cells and fluids to the concerned area that then causes severe inflammation, redness, swelling and terrible pain. There are a number of ways and methods by which we can dissolve the gout crystals and can prevent there formation in future.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy can be useful for the immediate relief of pain during a gout attack. The therapy is carried out by compressing the affected joint or area with a hot compress for the first three minutes and then with a cold compress for about thirty seconds. This should be carried out alternately until you find relief. There are certain drugs, which are prescribed for dissolving gout crystals including sulfinpyrazone and probenecid, which help in lowering the level of uric acid in our blood, and there is another drug that stops the production of uric acid called Allopurinol.
Low Purine Foods
Purine is a form of matter that is found in foods that are mostly animal based which is turned into uric acid by our bodies. So having a low purine diet helps in lowering the amount of uric acid in our bodies that then prevents its excess production that leads to crystal formation. Most vegetables, fruits, low fat dairy products and whole grains are examples of low purine foods. Increasing our fluid intake also helps in flushing out the uric acid from our bodies. Alcohols and beers should be avoided.
Once a person starts taking Gout medications, he or she has to take them forever or the gout will reoccur. Large gout crystals need to be removed surgically as they do not dissolve. Frequent gout attacks should be prevented because they can cause permanent damage to your joints and give you kidney problems. Therefore, we need not only to get rid of the symptoms because of the pain but also future gout attacks.
Side effects of using Drugs
Treatments based on drugs are effective in taking care of both these things. But they have severe side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, stomach aches, vomiting, headaches and allergic reactions. These drugs are only effective if they are taken for a long time. Many people suffering from gout crystals are nowadays inclined towards adapting natural ways for getting rid of symptoms and the recurrence of gout attacks.
Baking soda, which is easily available in all kitchens, can quickly help to reduce the symptoms, depending on the severity of the pain. It has an ability to dissolve the gout crystals by increasing the solubility of uric acid so that it is easily secreted, and, enhances body fluids to help your kidneys in excreting uric acid out of your body. Patients having high blood pressure should not use this remedy. It is advisable to change to a salt-free diet during this treatment because baking soda is very rich in sodium. This remedy should be taken only during an attack.