Treatment for Gout

Gout treatment has two distinct goals: relieving pain during an acute attack, and — for people with recurrent attacks — lowering uric acid long-term to prevent future flares.

Treating an Acute Attack

Acute attacks are typically treated with anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling as quickly as possible. Rest, elevation, and ice on the affected joint can also help. Starting treatment as early as possible in an attack tends to work best.

Long-Term Uric Acid Management

For people with recurrent gout attacks, or evidence of joint damage or tophi, doctors often recommend ongoing medication to lower uric acid levels over the long term, alongside the dietary approaches covered in our foods that increase uric acid guide. This is typically a long-term commitment rather than a short course, since stopping often allows uric acid to rise again. A common point of confusion is timing: current gout-management guidance supports starting this long-term medication during an active flare itself — alongside anti-inflammatory flare treatment — rather than waiting until the flare has fully resolved.

Lifestyle Measures

Staying well-hydrated, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol (especially beer), and moderating high-purine foods all support long-term management alongside any medication.

Not Every Case Needs the Same Approach

Someone with a single, mild attack may not need long-term medication, while someone with frequent attacks or complications typically does — this is an individualized decision made with a doctor based on attack frequency, severity, and other health factors.

This guide draws on clinical guidance from the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and NIH/NIAMS.