Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs when excess uric acid builds up in the body, causing crystals to develop in joints and leading to inflammation of the joints. As a result of the inflammation, ice and cold therapy is a useful nonpharmacological treatment for gout. Doctors recommend cold therapy to decrease inflammation and relieve the stiffness and pain that accompany gout.
Causes of Gout
When the body produces excess uric acid and it cannot be excreted fast enough, the uric acid accumulates in the tissues in the form of needlelike crystals, which causes pain. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that risk factors for gout include increased triglyceride levels, a family history of gout, over consumption of alcohol, consuming foods rich in purines, such as shellfish, metabolic syndrome and surgery.
Signs and Symptoms of Gout
Along with pain, signs and symptoms of gout include a swollen, stiff, hot, shiny red or purple joint, a fever as high as 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit, with or without chills, and lumps under the skin, commonly referred to as tophi. The University of Maryland Medical Center states the first episode tends to occur at night, goes away for five to 10 days and then returns later. Since symptoms are known to develop quickly, it is imperative that ice and cold therapy are applied immediately to your affected areas to decrease further pain and swelling.
Types of Ice and Cold Therapy
Different types of ice and cold therapy can be applied since the pain associated with gout is often localized in the great toe, but can occur in the knees, feet, fingers, wrists, elbows or ankles. Sufferers often characterize the pain as excruciating. You may benefit from making instant cold packs from items in your household, such as bags of frozen vegetables of resealable bags containing ice cubes. Additional types of cold therapy include ice packs purchased at the store or washcloths soaked in cold water.
Benefits of Ice and Cold Therapy
Applying cold compresses to the affected joints are able to diminish swelling by narrowing blood vessels. Although ice and cold packs may be uncomfortable due to their temperature, they numb your pain along with inhibiting inflammation and swelling of the affected joints. A study published in the "Journal of Rheumatology" reveals patients receiving cold therapy had a significantly greater reduction in pain compared to individuals who did not receive therapy. By applying ice and cold therapy twice a day, your stiffness and pain will be reduced.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gout
- “Journal of Rheumatology”; Local Ice Therapy During Bouts of Acute Gouty Arthritis; Naomi Schlesinger, et al.; 2002
