With proper treatment, most people with gout are able to control their symptoms and live productive lives.

Living with Gout

The goals for treatment are to ease the pain that comes from sudden attacks, prevent future attacks, stop uric acid buildup in the tissues and joint space between two bones, and prevent kidney stones from forming.

The most common treatments for an attack of gout are high doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, which are taken by mouth, or corticosteroids, which are taken by mouth or injected into the affected joint. Patients often begin to improve within a few hours of treatment. The attack usually goes away completely within a week or so.

Since NSAIDs are now available over the counter, it is important to check with your doctor concerning the safety of using these drugs and to verify the proper dosage.

When NSAIDs or corticosteroids fail to control pain and swelling, the doctor may use another drug, colchicine. This drug is most effective when taken within the first 12 hours of an acute attack.

Scientists are studying which NSAIDs are the best ones to treat gout. They are analyzing new compounds to develop safe, effective medicines. Current research is also focusing on the structure of certain enzymes to gain a better understanding of defects that can cause gout.

Scientists are studying the effect of crystal deposits on cartilage cells for clues to treatment. They are also looking at the role of calcium deposits and how they contribute to the development of gout in the hope of finding new treatments.

In addition, researchers are investigating how genetics and the environment may influence the level of uric acid in the blood.

Quiz

1. The most common treatment for a gout attack is to apply hot and cold compresses to the affected area.

FALSE is the correct answer. In the event of a sudden attack of gout, a physician will often prescribe high doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, which are taken by mouth, or corticosteroids, which are taken by mouth or injected into the affected joint.

2. If NSAIDs and corticosteriods fail to control pain and swelling from gout, there are no other known treatments.

FALSE is the correct answer. If NSAIDs or corticosteroids fail to control pain or swelling from gout, the doctor may consider using another drug, colchicine. This drug is most effective when taken within the first 12 hours of an acute attack.

3. One goal of treatment for gout is to keep uric acid crystals from forming.

TRUE is the correct answer. One goal of treatment for gout is to prevent the buildup of needle-like crystals of uric acid in connective tissue, in the joint space between two bones, or in both. One way to limit this buildup is by eating fewer foods that contain substances called purines. Examples of foods that contain purines are liver, dried beans and peas, anchovies, and gravies.

4. With proper treatment, most people with gout are able to lead productive lives.

TRUE is the correct answer. With the right treatment, most people with gout are able to control their symptoms and feel better. Treatment can help ease the pain that comes from sudden attacks, prevent future attacks, and stop kidney stones from forming.

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About the Author

NIA, one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of NIH, leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. In 1974, Congress granted authority to form NIA to provide leadership in aging research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs relevant to aging and older people.