GOUT - MANAGEMENT

Management objectives include symptomatic treatment as well as preventing further attacks.

Symptomatic treatment:

• Application of ice over the inflammed joint for 20-30 min several times a day.

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as mefenamic acid, diclofenac, voltaren and indocid.

• Colchicine

• Steroids are very powerful anti-inflammatory agents. However, great care must be exercised when using steroid, as a septic joint (sometimes confused with gout) will be made much worse if steroids are taken.

Prevention:

• Dietary and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of acute attacks.

• Allopurinol effectively blocks uric acid production, and can be taken to reduce uric acid levels. You should discuss with your doctor if your condition warrants taking allopurinol. Severe hypersensitivity reactions occur in a small number of patients who take allopurinol.

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The article above is meant to provide general information and does not replace a doctor's consultation. 
Please see your doctor for professional advice.