Intense pain, swelling, and inflammation can occur because of gout, a type of arthritis caused by high uric acid levels. So, if you’re managing gout like most people, you’ll need effective medications to manage gout. But what if you’re looking for immediate relief? Gout symptoms can be helped with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines you should be able to find at a trusted retailer such as CVS. Continue reading to find the best gout medicine in an OTC medicine for CVS, as well as how they work and tips on choosing the right treatment.
Understanding Gout and Its Symptoms
Gout is a condition in which the joints fill up with uric acid crystals, most often in the big toe. Symptoms include:
- Sudden, intense joint pain
- Swelling and redness in the local area
- Heat and tenderness around the joint
While prescription medications are the treatment of choice for long-term management, OTC treatments are a useful first approach to managing acute symptoms.
Top Over-the-Counter Gout Medicines at CVS
1. Non Stressed Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
CVS has ibuprofen and naproxen NSAIDs that are good for reducing inflammation and pain during a gout attack. Popular options include:
- Advil (Ibuprofen)
- Aleve (Naproxen Sodium)
The medications work by stopping enzymes that cause inflammation and provide fast relief.
2. Colchicine Alternatives
Colchicine needs a prescription, but CVS has OTC supplements that act similarly to reduce inflammation. If you are looking for a product, then checking out ingredients that have turmeric or cherry extract in them is a way of reducing uric acid.
3. Topical Pain Relievers
Localized joint pain is treated with topical creams and gels like Voltaren Gel. They are great for people who don’t want to take systemic medications.
4. Dietary Supplements
Supplements such as:
- Cherry Extract Capsules: It lowers uric acid levels.
- Vitamin C Tablets: It helps reduce uric acid naturally.
The supplements are available at CVS, and they can be used alongside other treatments.
How to Choose the Best OTC Gout Medicine at CVS
1. Assess Your Symptoms
- NSAIDs are the best option for severe pain.
- If the discomfort is only mild, then consider taking some supplements or topical relievers.
2. Consider Your Health Conditions
If you have underlying conditions like kidney problems or ulcers, consult a pharmacist – NSAIDs may not be right for you.
3. Look for Trusted Brands
Purchase from CVS only products you know to be quality and effective.
Home Remedies to Complement OTC Treatments
While OTC medicines can provide quick relief, combining them with home remedies can enhance results:
- Hydration: Ways to flush out uric acid are to drink plenty of water.
- Cold Compresses: It can be applied to swollen joints to reduce pain and reduce inflammation.
- Dietary Changes: Purine-rich foods like red meat and seafood should be avoided and foods like cherries and whole grains should be included.
Preventing Future Gout Flare-Ups
The main way to prevent recurrent gout attacks is prevention. Follow these tips:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Avoid having sugary or alcoholic drinks.
- Keep checking on uric acid levels.
Lifestyle Changes to Complement Over-the-Counter Gout Medicines
OTC gout medicines can provide excellent relief from discomfort and inflammation, but more than medication is needed to get well with gout. Living a lifestyle that can help lessen the frequency and extent of gout attacks. Here are some proven strategies:
1. Dietary Adjustments
- Avoid Purine-Rich Foods: foods high in purines, such as red meat and seafood, or foods high in purines such as organ meats can lead to increasing levels of uric acid. Keep these to a minimum in your diet.
- Increase Low-Purine Foods: Choose fruits, veggies, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. In particular, the research linked cherries to lower levels of uric acid.
- Stay Hydrated: Getting proper hydration helps to flush uric acids from your system as well as prevent crystals in joints. Try to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses a day.
2. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess uric acid production and extra stress on your joints are all things that can result from being overweight. A balanced diet and regular exercise can significantly drop the risk of gout attacks if you lose weight gradually. Don’t crash diet; rapid, or accelerated, weight loss will make things worse.
3. Regular Physical Activity
Exercise, even moderate exercise, contributes to keeping joints and the rest of the body healthy. Instead, concentrate on low-impact sports like walking, swimming, or yoga to avoid joint stress. Don’t do harsh physical activity when you have a gout attack, but may worsen.
4. Limit Alcohol Consumption
Beer and liquor can increase uric acid and trigger gout attacks especially when you drink alcohol. While you should limit your intake or avoid alcohol altogether, it is especially important to keep your intake low, particularly during an active flare-up.
5. Manage Stress
Stress can make inflammation worse, and it may lead to gout flare-ups. Participate in relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or hobbies to reduce stress.
6. Monitor Medications and Medical Conditions
The diuretics and beta blockers can increase the uric acid levels. If these are causing your gout, speak with your doctor about possible alternatives. You also need to manage other conditions of your health, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, which may increase your risk of getting gout.
7. Use Supplements Wisely
Certain supplements even lower uric acid levels, such as vitamin C. While you can add any supplemental regimen, consult your doctor first before doing so to ensure no interactions with medications take place.
If you combine these lifestyle changes with the right over-the-counter gout medicine from CVS, you can effectively control symptoms and lower your chance of having further attacks. And these adjustments work for overall wellness as much as for joint health.
Conclusion
Learn about the best over-the-counter gout medicine from CVS to manage painful flare-ups. No matter what type of treatment you decide on NSAIDs, topical treatments, or supplements, CVS has a trusted range of products to help you manage your symptoms. Though treatment is available, it’s a good idea to adopt a healthy lifestyle while consulting a doctor for a complete treatment plan.
OTC treatments can be a lifesaver just remember though, you should always seek the advice of a healthcare professional as to which course of action is best for you.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment for gout.
Read More: Herbal Remedies for UTI: Natural Solutions for Fast Relief
FAQ Best Over-the-Counter Gout Medicine at CVS
1. What are the best over-the-counter gout medicines at CVS?
The best NSAIDs that reduce inflammation and pain fast are ibuprofen and naproxen. The use of topical creams like Voltaren Gel also gives good localized relief.
2. What are some natural things to take for gout at CVS?
Indeed, natural remedies such as cherry extract and vitamin C capsules at CVS are possible dietary supplements that work.
3. Can I use OTC gout medicine for long-term control?
OTC medicines are mostly for short-term relief. Seek a healthcare provider’s support for prescription medications and lifestyle changes for long-term management.
4. How fast do OTC gout medicines act?
Supplements will not relieve pain until hours later, whereas NSAIDs will often work in a few hours.
5. Can all OTC gout medicines be used safely?
Most OTC options are safe to use, but individuals with kidney problems, ulcers, and so on should ask a doctor before use.