Gout attacks hurt fast and hard. If you’ve had one, you want relief now and a plan so it doesn’t come back. This guide gives straightforward, practical steps you can use today — from pain control and home care to medicines that lower uric acid and real lifestyle changes that help prevent future flares.
First, control the pain. For mild attacks, over-the-counter ibuprofen or naproxen often helps. Use the lowest effective dose and avoid these if you have stomach ulcers, severe kidney disease, or certain heart conditions. If OTC meds don’t help or your pain is severe, call your doctor. They may prescribe a short course of stronger anti-inflammatory drugs or a steroid injection to stop an attack quickly.
Long-term gout care focuses on lowering uric acid. Doctors commonly use allopurinol or febuxostat to keep uric acid levels low and stop crystal buildup. These drugs take weeks to months to work and usually need blood tests to set the right dose. Don’t stop them during an attack unless your doctor tells you to—starting or stopping urate-lowering therapy can sometimes trigger flares.
For people who can’t take those drugs, there are other options like probenecid or newer injectable medicines that remove uric acid. Your doctor will pick the safest choice based on your kidney function, other medicines, and overall health.
Small changes add up. Drink plenty of water — aim for 8–12 cups a day unless your doctor warns otherwise. Cut back on alcohol, especially beer and spirits, which raise uric acid quickly. Limit high-purine foods: red meat, organ meat, and some seafood like anchovies or sardines. Swap in low-purine choices such as eggs, low-fat dairy, fruits, and vegetables.
Lose weight if you’re overweight; even a modest drop in weight reduces gout risk. Stay active with low-impact exercise like walking or swimming. Also watch medicines that raise uric acid — some diuretics and niacin can do that. If you take those, ask your doctor about alternatives.
Home care during an attack matters. Rest the joint, elevate it, and try cool packs for 15–20 minutes to ease pain. Avoid ice directly on skin. Don’t try extreme home remedies that promise quick cures — they usually won’t help and can delay proper treatment.
When to see a doctor: if the pain is severe, the joint looks infected (red, hot, fever), attacks happen often, or you have kidney stones. Untreated gout raises the risk of joint damage over time, but modern treatments can control it well.
Final thought: Gout is treatable and often preventable. With the right meds, sensible diet changes, and routine follow-up, most people stop having painful attacks and keep their joints healthy. Talk openly with your healthcare provider and make a plan that fits your life.
Many people combine medication with diet changes and see fewer flares within months; check uric acid levels regularly to track progress and adjust treatment.
