Gout: How to Spot an Attack and What to Do Now
Imagine waking up with a burning, swollen big toe that feels like it’s on fire. That’s a classic gout attack — sudden, intense joint pain that often hits at night. Gout happens when uric acid builds up and forms crystals in a joint. Knowing what to do in the first 24–48 hours can cut pain and shorten the attack.
Quick steps to stop a gout attack
Act fast. Early treatment usually works best.
- Take an anti-inflammatory if your doctor agrees: common choices are NSAIDs like naproxen or ibuprofen. Follow dosing guidance and don’t mix with contraindicated meds.
- Colchicine can help if started early. It’s effective at low doses but can cause diarrhea and nausea.
- If NSAIDs and colchicine aren’t suitable, a short course of oral steroids often calms the inflammation.
- Rest and keep the joint elevated. Ice for 15–20 minutes can ease pain. Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks during an attack — they can make it worse.
If pain is extreme, spreading, or you have fever, contact a doctor right away. Sometimes joint infections look like gout and need urgent care.
Long-term control: medicines and smart habits
Stopping attacks is one thing. Preventing them is another. Your doctor may recommend urate-lowering therapy if you have frequent flares, tophi (visible uric deposits), or joint damage.
- Allopurinol is the most common long-term medicine. It lowers uric acid production and is usually taken daily. Febuxostat is an alternative for people who can’t use allopurinol.
- Uricosuric drugs like probenecid help kidneys remove uric acid and suit some patients.
Target uric acid levels are often below 6 mg/dL. That number helps guide treatment and reduces crystal buildup over time. Regular blood tests track progress.
Lifestyle changes make a big difference: lose extra weight, stay well hydrated, limit red meat, shellfish, and alcohol (especially beer), and cut sugary sodas and high-fructose foods. Dairy, coffee, and vegetables don’t raise gout risk and can be part of a healthy plan.
Other tips: check your meds — some diuretics and niacin raise uric acid. Tell your doctor about all prescriptions and supplements. If you have kidney disease, heart disease, or diabetes, managing those conditions helps with gout too.
Want a clear next step? If this is your first attack, see your doctor to confirm gout (they may do a blood test or joint fluid check). If you already have gout and attacks are increasing, ask about urate-lowering therapy. With the right mix of quick treatment, medicines, and everyday habits, most people bring gout under control and avoid the worst attacks.