Is gout pain constant or does it flair up at times?

Is gout pain constant or does it flair up at times?I've had pain in my left big toe all of 2008 and 2009. There were only 2 weeks where it wasn't noticeable. I haven't gone to a podiatrist yet. No insurance. I think it's gout, though my toe isn't super swollen like some pics I've seen online. There are days when my shoe feels tighter, so I know there is some swelling. The pain is constant but I've managed. Sometimes it gets bad and feels like laser or lightning spiraling from the toe. If it goes to that level all the time, I don't know how I'd cope. How expensive are the anti-inflammation meds? And even with meds, is gout something that's never cured?

Will
Gout is quickly curable, try Web Md for some info. Note you could also have arthritis, and this is more serious in the longer term, the sooner you get treatment for that the better for your joints/mobility (dancing, swimming, cheerleading ...?). Try and see a doctor because there are lots of possibilities and options for treatment in each case. Perhaps there are affordable clinics you could use?

JeffKan1
Gout is usually a flare up kind of pain.

Fellow gout sufferer here. There's a ton of people that get gout and just are not sure what to do. So here's my information that I've learned in 11 years of fighting gout, and I seem to be getting it under control.

Best website I've found so far: www.best-gout-remedies.com.

When a person gets gout, you need to help your body do two things: not produce extra uric acid, and do an excellent job of getting rid of uric acid.

For gout attacks, indomethacine and/ or colchicine. You'll need scripts from your dr. for these.

For the rest of your life, do these things: drink lots of water, 1 oz for every 2 lbs of body weight, each day. Once or twice a day, sip on 8 oz of water mixed with 1/2 tsp of baking soda. Helps the body be more alkaline (opposite of acidic) and get rid of uric acid.

Take allopurinol every day. Very inexpensive and no side effects, you'll need a script for this. Helps the body get rid of uric acid.

Take celery seed pills. These may help the liver not to create so much uric acid. For diet, stay away from things that dehydrate the body, like beer and coffee. Don't eat organ meats, high fructose corn syrup. Avoid beer; red wine occasionally is ok. Eat lots of fruits and veggies, cottage cheese, sour cream, plain yogurt in smoothies mixed with orange juice and fruit. Drink fruit juices that are 100% juice, V8 VFusion is my favorite, it comes in many flavors.

Look into probiotics. A person really should take these after any antibiotics from a doctor. The probiotics help the immune system in the intestines.

Educate yourself on foods that are high in purines, avoid these foods as the body turns purines into uric acid.

Good luck to you!

Add your own answer in the comments! Gout - information, symptoms and treatments. Googout.info health information factsheet - advice on gout and its symptoms, causes and treatment, plus prevention through diet.

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