Can't they just zap it with a laser?
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Can't they just zap it with a laser?
From the National Institutes of Health:
"The exact cause is unknown. Gout may run in families. It is more common in males, postmenopausal women, and people who drink alcohol. People who take certain medicines, such as hydrochlorothiazide and other water pills, may have higher levels of uric acid in the blood.
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The disorder itself may not be preventable, but you may be able to avoid things that trigger your symptoms. Limit alcohol consumption and follow a low-purine diet."
I know that some gout (in the feet) have been treated by massage. I trained to do it three decades ago (man I'm old), it's a PAINFUL massage, but it worked on everybody. Most of the people I massaged had it in the foot.
Even back then it was generally acknowledged that gout had no specific CAUSE, and ideas abounded as to how to reduce the crystals. But everybody knew that once you had it, you had it for life.
I used to do work in installing cardiac ultrasound devices. Did a lot of work all over Europe and the USA. Since our equipment had a lot of experimental functions (not paid for by medicaid) I installed it at research hospitals and for research physicians involved in studies.
I learned one thing about cardiac problems. The BIGGEST factor in determining is you would get CAD or other problems was your genetics. Several doctors admitted that they researched other causes and came up blank, but since the money was there to find treatments for environmentally related causes (diet, food, etc) they concentrated their efforts there.
I suspect the same is true for gout.
The crystals don't dissolve on their own, IIRC, no amount of water can reduce them - essentially you just get numb to the ongoing pain and your reaction to their presense lessens - thus your symptoms may disappear to your perceptions. Loading your system with water helps in the sense that it reduces the percentage of uric acid in your bloodstream, as a PERCENTAGE - not in absolute terms.
From Wikipedia:
"Generally, the solubilities of uric acid and its alkali metal and alkaline earth metal salts in water are rather low and all exhibit greater solubility in hot water than cold, allowing for easy recrystallization. "
Thus heat HELPS with it as long as you apply the heat, but the crystals that might have been dissolved, quickly recrystallize. I am told that the pain gets worse after heat treatment because the crystals are new and "sharper" feeling.
Unfortunately your onset of crystallization MAY be related to coronary artery disease and other factors that increase with age - so there's no escaping it. Pre-diabetics too.
Nobody in my family history has ever had gout (nine aunts and uncles). OTOH, we have had a lot of alcoholics! I don't know which I'd choose, presently - it is NEITHER.
Since the pain is admittedly nearly unbearable, you might as well try every treatment you can find information on, it wont hurt anymore and if it helps you, it's a step up.
So drink cherry juice, lick chocolate off of reese's peanut butter cups, listen to old Bill Cosby albums - it might do some good.
I had lot's of trouble with gout before they put me on Allopurinol... now.. no more gout...
Take anti-inflammatories.
Naproxen (naproxen sodium) / Naprosin etc...
Worked for me - within 20 minutes - no more pain...
That is what the uric acid crystals in your joints does... irritates and inflames the tissue... causing enormous discomfort...
For those who have never experienced gout pain... you are lucky.
For those that have... you know how painful it can be.
don't take ibupro, messes with the kidneys and won't flush the crystals.
Cherries including black cherry juice.
Water.
Allopurinol will kill you eventually believe me. Research it on webMD.
Gout runs in the family.
Folic acid 450 mg.s per day can help the Non formation of crystals as well as helps your heart.
Naproxin can help, if you can't handle the pain which will last for 7 to 10 days then try to get some Vicodin.
Holistic in the long run is the only way to go.
I've had it in my elbows, knees, and fingers, causes some real damage to joints.
Colchicine can halt the pain in a few hours. Indomethecin is also used to control the pain ans swelling but can cause stomach bleeding. I use allopurinol to limit uric acid production and heavily modify diet to reduce purine intake. Naproxen (aleve) works on the pain and inflammation too. Other remedies include cherries, cherry juice and extract as well as celery. Welcome to the club. Gout sucks.
My granddad had gout and treated it w/ chinese herbal medication. I cannot remember what they were, but it worked great for him - you just have to be consistent.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bailey Guns
This is just a quick google...
http://www.ehow.com/way_5602011_chin...ut-remedy.html
The doc prescribed allopurinol but I haven't filled the script yet. I'm one of those people who hate taking meds.
I'm gonna try the cherry juice and other liquids route. I've got a physical set up for next week...I was kinda worried about this being a precursor to other problems. We'll see.
Thanks, all, for the advice and comments.
Thanks for the offer...but I've already got a pair of 'em.Quote:
Originally Posted by jim
I also have gout, for a somewhat quick relief I got some Black Cherry syrup consentrate from King Soopers in the vitamine section. If I have a flare up I chug half a bottle and 20 - 30 minutes it usualy goes away. Does not work for every one. I hope this helps!! [Beer]
I get gout flair-ups in my toes (usually the big toes) from time to time but live with major knee pain day in and day out.Quote:
Originally Posted by jim
I can't run anymore due to the knee pain.
I would still live with the knee pain any time over the gout. I find gout excruciating.
I went through about half a case of bottled water yesterday and lots of juice...mostly grapefruit...didn't have any cherry. In the evening it felt like someone parked their F250 on my foot.
This morning it feels much better. As soon as I can get some shoes on I'm heading to the store for some black cherry juice or extract or whatever. I wanna be ready if (when?) this happens again.