Gout Treatment

Gout Treatment

During an acute gout episode, a person's first priority will be to alleviate the immediate pain and other symptoms. Once that is done, steps should be taken to prevent future gout attacks.

Without treatment and prevention, gout can become chronic, leading to repeated episodes of intense gout pain and possibly permanent damage to the affected joint(s).

Treating a Gout Flare-up

The immediate goals for treating a gout flare-up are to reduce intense pain, swelling, warmth, and redness. With proper treatment, gout pain and other symptoms can be under control within 24 hours and completely gone within a matter of days.

    Ice. A soft cool compress applied to the affected joint can help relieve discomfort.

    Avoid pressure. Avoid contact with anything. Anything that touches the affected joint may cause a sharp increase in pain.

    Rest. It is usually painful to use the affected joint, and resting it will help alleviate pain, swelling, and other symptoms.

    Elevation. Elevate the affected limb to help reduce swelling. If the foot is affected, sit down with the foot resting on a footstool or lie down with the foot propped up on a pillow.

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