Should you put ice or heat on gout?

Answer 1

There is some opinion around that gentle heat applied to affected joints will give some relief. However there is also advice to the contrary with a suggestion that cold packs be used. However as Uric acid crystals are more likely to form at lower temperatures it would make more sense that gentle heat be used.

Answer 2

Pain and inflamation can be relieved by using both heat and cold alternately. take particular care not to expose the problem area to to much cold for too long. gout prefers a colder climate to do well.

Answer 3

Ice is used for reducing inflammation and easing pain by many People.

The Journal of Rheumatology published the results of a small controlled clinical trial were published in in February of 2002
In this report "Local ice therapy during bouts of acute gouty Arthritis." the use of ice is supported, but notes that this trial included the use of drugs (predinisone and colchicine) as well,in both the trial and control groups.

To get the best results apply an ice pack for 10 minutes followed by a hot moist towel compress.
Gouty joints should not be subjected to long periods of cold because this increases the chance of uric acid crystals being formed.
Uric acid saturation point lower, resulting in salts become less soluble when temperatures are lowered.

Answer 4

This seems to depend on the individual and on the timing. However Gout tends to be most prevalent in the colder parts of the body (the extremity's) the problem is however that once the uric acid crystals that causes the pain and damage that comes with gout neither heat nor cold will fix the problem.Medical advice and dietary restrictions however can be very helpful in controlling the disease.

Answer 5

No, hot and cold make the pain worse.