Self-treatment for gout.

After describing some of the symptoms of gout and considering some causes, such as an excess of ethanol, the source of the pain in the infected joint is discussed. This is known to be from urate crystals formed in the synovial fluid inside the joint. It is suggested herein that the pain is due to grinding from the crystals through the surface film of the joint, and possibly into the bone itself, which is relatively soft. The pain then stems in part from the resulting inflammation. The key hypothesis is that these urate crystals dissolve on warming. Hence, by warming the joint concerned in hot water, and moving the joint around to encourage diffusion, the urate concentration is reduced and crystals no longer form, provided the treatment is continued.