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Main Page Risk Factors Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Screening Reducing Your Risk Talking to Your Doctor Living With Gout Resource Guide

During a gout attack, the following measures can help relieve the pain:

  • Putting a warm pad or ice pack on the affected joint
  • Keeping the weight of clothes and bed covers off the affected joint
  • If possible, avoid moving or placing any pressure on the affected joint

The above treatments can help ease the pain of a gout attack. Drug treatment is usually needed to treat a gout attack and prevent recurrences. A gout attack is best treated as soon as possible to limit the severity of the attack and help prevent permanent joint damage. Contact your doctor immediately if:

  • You think you may be experiencing a gout attack for the first time
  • You have had gout attacks before, but your prescribed treatment does not control this attack quickly
  • Your symptoms worsen, do not improve or keep coming back

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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References

  • American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home.html .

  • American College of Rheumatology website. Available at: http://www.rheumatology.org/ .

  • National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/ .

  • The Merck Manual of Medical Information. 17th ed. Simon and Schuster, Inc; 2000.