Loading icon
Health Information Center

Treatments for Gout

Authors:
  • Rick Alan
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Treatments for Gout

There is no cure for gout, but most symptoms and attacks can be managed with a combination of lifestyle changes and medications. The earlier gout is detected and treated, the better it can be controlled.

The goals of treatment for gout include:

  • Managing symptoms of an acute attack
  • Decreasing the risk of recurrence by managing uric acid levels
  • Preventing complications, such as joint or kidney damage, which can occur with recurrent attacks

Treatment options can vary by individual. Working with a healthcare team is important to help find the treatments that works best for each person.

Treatment may include the following:

Lifestyle changes

Medications

Alternative and complementary therapies

Other treatments

References

  • Gout. American College of Rheumatology website. Available at: http://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Gout. Accessed February 24, 2020.
  • Gout. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115215/Gout. Accessed February 24, 2020.
  • Gout. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Gout/default.asp. Accessed February 24, 2020.
  • Gout management—prevention of recurrent attacks. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T474277/Gout-management-prevention-of-recurrent-attacks. Accessed February 24, 2020.
  • Gout management—treatment of acute attack. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T474276/Gout-management-treatment-of-acute-attack. Accessed February 24, 2020.
  • Gout treatment. Arthritis Foundation website. Available at: http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/types/gout/treatment.php. Accessed February 24, 2020.

Contributors

  • David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Last Updated:
2020-01-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.