Attacks of gout are usually treated with anti-inflammatory medicine like ibuprofen.
If the gout does not improve after 3 to 4 days, you might be given steroids as tablets or an injection.
Do
- take any medicine you have been prescribed as soon as possible – it should start to work within 3 days
- rest and raise the limb
- keep the joint cool – apply an ice pack, or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel, for up to 20 minutes at a time
- drink lots of water (unless advised not to by a GP)
- try to keep bedclothes off the affected joint at night
Don't
- do not knock the joint or put pressure on it
Treatment to prevent gout coming back
Gout can come back every few months or years. It can come back more often if not treated.
If you have frequent attacks or you have high levels of uric acid in your blood, you may need uric acid-lowering medicine.
Important
It's important to take uric acid-lowering medicine regularly, even when you no longer have symptoms.