Natural remedies for gout pain using homeopathy

The condition called gout results from an excess and therefore build-up of uric acid crystals around or within a joint, most typically in the hands and feet. The joints become painful, stiff, reddened and inflamed. This article will briefly note the most common remedies used to treat an exacerbation of gout until you can be treated with a constitutional remedy by your licensed homeopathic practitioner.

Homeopathic remedies are effective, safe, inexpensive and can be purchased online from reputable homeopathic pharmacies, or from a natural health food store in your city or town. 

In the practice of homeopathic medicine, one needs to choose the remedy that best suits what is called the “symptom picture” presented by each of the remedies. By matching your  symptoms with a particular remedy, the better the chance of effective treatment. See the symptom pictures of each of the remedies listed below, then do a Google search for each one for a more thorough description of each remedy’s symptom picture.

Arnica - a good remedy choice if the pain can be described as a “soreness” and feeling “bruised.” Walking about is painful and the person is afraid to touch or be touched in the affected area.

Belladonna - a good remedy choice when the pain is intense in character and comes on suddenly.   There may be throbbing and heat, the joints appear reddened and the skin appears shiny.  The person feels restless and there may be flushing.  Pain is made worse by touch or a jarring.

Berberis vulgaris - a good remedy choice in persons who have a history of kidney stones and often complain of an all over body achiness.  The joint pains are often made worse when changing positions or walking.

Bryonia - a good remedy choice in a person whose pain makes him irritated and protective of the areas that are painful. The pain is characterized as tearing in nature, the affected joints are swollen and hot. The Bryonia person will complain of painful and stiff knee joints.

Calcarea fluorica - a good remedy choice for a person whose finger joints become enlarged, the pain is stabbing in nature and there may be a “cracking” sound of the joints of the hands or feet. The discomfort and/or pain is worse in damp and cold weather, but better in warm weather.

Colchicum - a good remedy choice when the gout mainly affects the heel and big, or great toe. The person may complain that both movement and even touching the areas is almost unbearable and are worse during the evening hours.  The person with this type of gout tends to be cold natured and very tired.

Ledum palustre - a good remedy choice for persons who have extremely swollen feet or big toes, the pain is described as shooting through the entire foot and up into the knees.  The person who is helped by this remedy will note that cold applications help relieve the swelling and pain.

Rhododendron - a good remedy choice for the gout sufferer who notes that the joint swelling and pain will often begin before stormy weather.  The right side of the body is more commonly affected and the pain will be worse in the early morning hours and after sitting or lying still for an extended period of time.  Warmth helps to alleviate the pain and the person may feel somewhat better after a meal.

Rhus toxicodendron - a good remedy choice for a person whose symptoms worsen during cold damp weather. The joints feel hot, are stiff, swollen and painful but are ameliorated by warmth and gentle motion or movement.

Sulphur - a good remedy choice for a person who notes that the gouty type joint pain in the feet is burning in nature and itching.  There can be involvement of knees as well and the symptoms are aggravated by any type of heat, damp weather and during the spring weather changes from cold to warm.

Follow the directions on the product labels for an acute flare-up of gout.  For a more permanent solution and possible cure, contact a licensed homeopathic practitioner who will be able to treat you with an appropriate constitutional remedy.

This article is not intended to replace professional medical advice by a family physician, medical specialist or licensed homeopathic practitioner. If there is a significant worsening of the pain, swelling and/or inflammation, you should seek medical attention immediately.