Gout, or gouty arthritis, is a form of arthritis, found in more than three million Americans annually. It is caused by uric acid crystals building up in the joints that cause gout attacks, which come on quite suddenly and are often intense enough to wake a person in the middle of the night. Periods of gout can flare up and then subside. Some patients develop gout due to genetics or kidney disorders. In others, the condition has contributing factors such as diet, alcohol, or being overweight.

Gout can also be brought on by eating certain foods such as certain meats and fish such as anchovies and sardines. These foods contain excessive purines that in some people don’t flush out through urination. The purines settle into the body joints and cause gout. Here are some natural remedies for gout pain:

1. Magnesium
Magnesium can lower your blood pressure and helps your heart work more efficiently. When your blood flows smoothly it allows excess uric acid in your body to be removed. This prevents the uric acids from building up in the joints and causing gout. Magnesium can be found in green leafy green vegetables such as spinach, romaine, and lettuce. It is also found in nuts and whole grains.

2. Turmeric
Turmeric comes from the curcuma longa plant family. The flowering plant is part of the ginger family and used in cooking. It is a common ingredient in Indian and Middle Eastern dishes. The spice has been known to help treat inflammatory conditions like gout.

3. Ginger
The spice ginger has long been known to help treat gout. Ginger can be ingested in food or steeped with water for treatment. You can also make a ginger compress to apply to the swollen area. To make a compress smash the ginger into a paste and mix with one tablespoon of water. Use a washcloth to apply the mixture to the gout area for 15 to 30 minutes.

4. Nettle tea
Nettle has historically been used to treat arthritis. Studies have found it reduces pain and inflammation in patients.

5. Celery seeds
Celery seed contains luteolin, 3-n-butylphthalide (3nB), and beta-selinene all which have been known to reduce inflammation associated with gout.

6. Milk thistle
Milk thistle is a plant named for the white veins on its large prickly leaves. It is used as a natural remedy for several conditions including gout.

Symptoms of gout often include the following:

• Severe pain. Gout pain can come on suddenly and usually starts in the large joint of the big toe. Other commonly affected areas include knees, ankles, elbows, fingers, and wrists. Pain can be intense especially during the first four to 12 hours of an attack.
• Ongoing discomfort. When a gout attack occurs the first hours can be extremely painful with a person experiencing intense pain. The pain will subside and linger in the joints. Lingering pain can last a few days to a few weeks.
• Redness and tenderness. The toe, or other area, will become swollen, sore to touch, warm, and red in appearance.
• Limited movement. As the gout progresses the joints will tighten and in addition to pain you may experience limited range of motion in the joint.