1. Run a warm bath or use a heated swimming pool or hot tub. Use a water temperature that you can tolerate without discomfort. You don't want to burn yourself. If you are pregnant or have diabetes, high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease, don't sit in a hot bath. If you have any of these conditions, you should use a hot washcloth or heat patch.
2. Soak in the tub for at least 15 minutes. The heat in the bath dilates your blood vessels, helping improve circulation in the area where you are feeling gout pain. The heat also can help make the uric acid crystals more soluble, which will help your body eliminate them quicker. The longer and hotter the bath, the better the heat will be able to penetrate the affected area. Again, be careful not to burn yourself.
3. Repeat the treatment twice a day. You can add two cups of Epsom salts to the bath, which will help enhance the benefits of the heat. Epsom salts contain magnesium, which is thought to help circulation. It also flushes toxins from the body.
4. Take ibuprofen. Ibuprofen acts as an anti-inflammatory. Take two tablets before your bath. As the heat improves your circulation, it will move the medication into the affected area quickly so it can begin to relieve the discomfort.
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