Over The Counter Medicine For Gout At Walmart
Gout is a type of arthritis that can be incredibly painful and debilitating. It is caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, which can lead to inflammation and pain. While there are prescription medications available to treat gout, there are also several over-the-counter (OTC) options that can help manage the symptoms. Walmart, one of the largest retailers in the United States, offers a variety of OTC medicines for gout sufferers. In this article, we will explore some of the options available at Walmart for managing gout symptoms.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. Uric acid is a waste product that is normally filtered out of the body by the kidneys. However, in some people, the body produces too much uric acid, or the kidneys are not able to remove it efficiently enough. When this happens, the uric acid can build up in the joints and form crystals, which can lead to inflammation and pain. Gout most commonly affects the big toe, but it can also affect other joints in the body, such as the ankle, knee, and wrist.
Some common symptoms of gout include:
- Pain and swelling in the affected joint
- Redness and warmth in the affected joint
- A feeling of stiffness in the affected joint
- A fever or chills (in rare cases)
OTC Medicines for Gout at Walmart
There are several OTC medicines available at Walmart that can help manage the symptoms of gout. These medicines fall into two main categories: pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Pain Relievers
Pain relievers, also known as analgesics, are medications that can help relieve pain. They do not reduce inflammation, but they can help make the pain more manageable. Some common pain relievers available at Walmart include:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol): This is a pain reliever that is commonly used to treat mild to moderate pain. It is not an anti-inflammatory drug, and it does not reduce swelling or inflammation.
- Aspirin: Aspirin is a pain reliever that can also help reduce inflammation. However, it is not recommended for people who have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding, as it can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): This is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It is important to note that NSAIDs can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding, especially if taken for long periods of time.
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Anti-inflammatory drugs are medications that can help reduce inflammation and swelling. They can also help relieve pain. Some common anti-inflammatory drugs available at Walmart include:
- Naproxen (Aleve): This is an NSAID that can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. It is important to note that NSAIDs can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding, especially if taken for long periods of time.
- Colchicine: This is a medication that is specifically used to treat gout. It works by reducing inflammation and preventing the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. It can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Other OTC Options
In addition to pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs, there are several other OTC options available at Walmart that can help manage gout symptoms. These include:
- Hot and cold packs: Applying a hot or cold pack to the affected joint can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
- Compression socks: Compression socks can help reduce swelling and improve circulation in the affected joint.
- Foot baths: Soaking the affected foot in warm water with Epsom salt can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Conclusion
Gout can be a painful and debilitating condition, but there are several OTC options available at Walmart that can help manage the symptoms. Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and other OTC options such as hot and cold packs, compression socks, and foot baths can all be effective in relieving pain and reducing inflammation. However, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider before starting any new medication or treatment regimen. This is especially true for people who have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding, as some OTC medications can increase the risk of these conditions.