A gout attack can be a very painful experience. It happens very suddenly and leaves you debilitated for days. Even the slightest touch can cause extreme pain. People at home will have to be careful moving around you are making sure no object touches the affected joint.
The sudden excruciating pain subsides after a few hours but it remains that you’re unable to move freely due to the swollen, inflamed joint. You’re going to need someone to assist you in doing basic things such as getting up from the bed, going to the toilet, making food, etc. It’s not a pretty sight.
This is why it’s so important to be prepared. When a gout attack hits you, here are the best ways to deal with it…
Take Your Medicine
Be prepared with a stock of colchicine in your medicine cabinet. After a gout attack, take this medicine right away to reduce the inflammation. Colchicine works best when taken within 12- to 24-hours of a gout attack. You may take this together with over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen.
If you don’t have colchicine, call your doctor immediately so they can prescribe you with colchicine. Next time, you should have colchicine ready, so you don’t need to wait on your doctor. Remember, gout attacks often happen in the middle of the night and show no early signs. It happens right away.