Treatment of Gout

Left untreated, gout can lead to:

• Kidney disease and kidney stones.
• Other joints becoming affected.
• Attacks becoming more frequent.

Although gout is an incurable disease, gout attacks can be treated successfully, often using a combination of treatments.

Gout is one of the most treatable forms of arthritis.

Treating the pain

The pain can be treat with medication such as acetaminophen. Aspirin based medication should be avoided as aspirin prevents the kidneys eliminating uric acid.

Colchicine is an alternative medicine which eases the symptoms of gout attacks. Colchicine is usually taken if patients have problems with anti-inflammatory painkillers.

Steroid tablets can also be used to reduce pain and inflammation if problems occur when using these other drugs.

Please consult your doctor if you need to treat gout attacks.

Treating the gout attack

With proper treatment a gout attack can be controlled within 12 to 24 hours and treatment stopped after a few days.

Alchicine and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be effective providing an adequate dose is taken early on when the gout attack starts.

However there can be side effects from using NSAIDS. These include irritation of the gastrointestinal system, ulceration of the stomach and intestines, and intestinal bleeding.

These treatments should be used in conjunction with 'home remedies' including rest and elevation of the affected area/s.

An ice pack can be used to reduce pain and inflammation. Touching the skin over the affected joint can be very painful.

Affected joints can be surrounded by a protective 'cage' which helps to take the weight of clothing and reduce pain.

Fluid intake should also be increased.

With proper treatment a gout attack can be controlled within 12 to 24 hours. Once a gout attack is under control, treatment is usually stopped after a few days.