GOUT : HEAT or ICE?

I have an occasional toe/ball-joint gout problem and take indomethacin 25mg. the prescription I have is from 02/2005 and may not be any good. So until I can get to the docs office, IS heat (heat pad) better than an ice pack? Any suggestions are apprecciated as my left foot is throbbing away......... thanx

I have had gout for over 30 years and would never use ice. Use anti-inflammatory tablets, this will help. If you get more frequent attacks, your doctor may prescribe indocid capsules, these are very strong anti-inflammatory drugs.

I have to take allopurinol tablets every day, I have not had a serious attack for many years now. Good luck.

ice and blood tests, and strong pain killers, keep it up, keep off it, and stop eating or drinking whatever it is that causing it. eat live yoghurt

Nothing really helps mine. I have to stay off it as much as possible. That's all. I'll have to check into that medicine. My doctor doesn't want to give me anything for it yet. (He gives my husband pills for anything and everything. But I go in, and I don't get squat. I think I need to switch to the lady doctor in his office.) But seriously, pain relievers work for a bit, but if you don't stay off of it, it will still hurt.

Gout can usually be treated by Ibuprofen at 1.2 grams per day,this is available over the counter.Doctors will often prescribe Allopurinol tablets which are prescription only.Infallablejeff.

If you use ice it will constrict the blood vessels and help reduce any swelling but protect your skin and don't leave on any longer than 15 minutes. If you use heat it will vasodilate the blood vessels and help increase the blood flow to the area which may help with stiffness and soreness. Elevate the affected extremity and protect the affected joint from excessive movement or direct contact with sheets and blankets. Alcohol, organ meats, aged cheeses can aggravate the situation. You can increase your urinary pH (above 6) by eating alkaline ash foods such as citrus fruits and juices, milk and other dairy products. Increase your fluid intake to prevent stone formation. These are suggested interventions but the best advice to receive is from your physician. :)

Gout is an inflammatory process caused by crystals crystallizing in the joint space.

Conservative management is usually..
1. Simple painkillers (paracetamol OR cocodamol)
2. Non Steriodal Anti Inflammatory (ibuprofen, indomethacin OR diclofenac)
3. Rest
4. Elevation of limb
5. Ice would be better than Heat as it would decrease the inflammation.

NEVER TAKE ALLOPURINOL IN AN ACUTE GOUT ATTACK - it will cause worsening the gout attack.
In severe cases, doctors will prescibe Colchicine in an acute attack with the above. AFTER the gout has resolved, then allopurinol can be prescibed to prevent further attacks in the future (usually people with recurrent attacks or risk factors)