How is acute gout treated?
As painful as gout may be, it is usually easy to treat. Reducing inflammation is the priority during an acute gout attack. Afterwards, the uric acid values must be brought back to normal. A change in dietary habits is usually the first step further medication is needed. Preventing gout from becoming chronic is possible, and gout-induced complications are avoidable. It is important that all prescribed medications are taken regularly.
What kind of medications are used?
The choice of medication is based on possible contraindications (reasons why you must not take a particular medicine, for example because of other health problems), your previous experience with treatments, the time of initiation after a gout flare starts and the number and type of joints involved. Painkillers and other medications can be used to treat acute attacks, prevent future attacks and reduce the risk of gout complications.
Your doctor
may prescribe a higher dosage of pain killers to stop an acute attack.
Long-term treatment to permanently lower uric acid levels should not be started until the acute inflammation has been completely resolved.
