Gout Treatment

There are two main approaches to treatment^[13] for gout: diet changes and medication. While there is no cure for the disease, both approaches can help improve gout and reduce attacks. Eating a specific diet is aimed at lowering uric acid levels, while medications are generally used to relieve the pain and inflammation associated with gout. Additionally, icing and elevating the affected area is recommended^[14] to provide immediate relief during a gout attack.

Gout medication

The main types of medications used to alleviate the signs and symptoms of gout are NSAIDs, xanthine oxidase inhibitors, and probenecid. NSAIDs help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with gout attacks, while xanthine oxidase inhibitors, like Allopurinol, decrease the body’s production of uric acid. Probenecid, including Benemid, improves the kidneys’ ability to remove uric acid from the blood, further preventing crystalline deposits. Your provider may prescribe the following medications for gout:

Gout diet

Adjusting your diet is one of the most important ways to prevent or reduce the frequency of gout attacks. The goal is to lower the level of uric acid in your blood. This can be achieved with a number of dietary changes, including avoiding alcohol (especially beer) and drinking plenty of water. It’s important to cut out as many fats as possible and eat less dairy, as both of these can cause excess levels of uric acid. It’s also a good idea to avoid foods high in purines, such as organ meats, oily fish, and red meat, and eat a lot of complex carbohydrates, such as whole-grain breads, fruits and vegetables.