How to quickly relieve pain during a gout attack

Generally speaking, there is no such thing as "gout attack pain relief methods". After a gout attack, the main ways to relieve pain include adjusting rest schedules, dietary modifications, cold compresses, oral medications, and acupuncture treatments. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation at a regular hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Adjust Rest Schedules

During a gout attack, the body is relatively weak, so sufficient rest must be ensured, avoiding staying up late, and guaranteeing 7-8 hours of sleep daily. Bed rest is recommended to minimize movement of the affected joint and prevent increased pain due to activity. Elevating the affected joint appropriately during rest can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain.

2. Dietary Modifications

Diet must be strictly controlled during an attack. Avoid foods that can elevate uric acid levels, such as animal offal, seafood, and alcohol, to prevent exacerbation of pain. Choose bland, easily digestible low-purine foods, such as rice porridge, noodles, and fresh vegetables. Continue to maintain a daily water intake of more than 2000 milliliters to promote uric acid excretion, thereby indirectly alleviating pain.

3. Cold Compress

Within 48 hours of the attack, a clean towel can be used to wrap ice packs or ice cubes and apply them to the painful joint area. Each application should last 15-20 minutes, and it can be repeated every 2-3 hours. Cold compresses cause local blood vessels to constrict, reducing inflammatory response and swelling, thus alleviating pain. However, direct contact between ice and skin should be avoided to prevent frostbite.

4. Oral Medications

This is a commonly used and effective method to relieve pain during a gout attack. Colchicine tablets can be taken under a doctor's guidance to rapidly inhibit the inflammatory response. Diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets can also be chosen to reduce pain by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. Etoricoxib tablets can also be used, which have good analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects and can effectively relieve joint pain.

5. Acupuncture Treatment

Acupuncture treatment can be performed by a professional physician at a regular hospital, selecting acupoints around the painful joint, such as Neiting (ST44) and Taichong (LR3). Acupuncture can promote the circulation of meridians, regulate qi and blood, reduce joint inflammation, and thus alleviate pain. It should be performed under professional guidance.

The pain relief methods after a gout attack should be selected according to individual conditions. At the same time, these methods only relieve symptoms, and subsequent standardized treatment for gout itself is still required to reduce recurrence.