Acute Gout Treatment - 3 Essential Medications For Gout Therapy

By Alvin Hopkinson

Gout is the most common medical condition in relation to arthritis. Approximately 2million Americans suffer with gout and it is often associated with an inherited abnormality in the body to process uric acid. About 95% men and 5% women seek medical attention for acute gout treatment. The ultimate goal of acute gout therapy is to minimize or stop the initial pain and prevent future attacks.

Acute gout attacks are sudden and intense. The attack may lasts up to three hours. Subsequent attacks may occur weeks, months, and years later if the root of the attacks is not addressed. Reoccurring gout attacks induce severe damage to the joints, tissues and kidneys. This damage has been known to cause loss in mobility, in some cases. Initial gout attacks generally involve the big toe.

However, other joints such as the ankle, foot, finger, elbow, knee or wrist may also be affected. The gout attacks occurs during the night; waking the victim instantly. The affected area is red, warm, tender, tight and inflamed. The medical healthcare provider will immediately implement acute treatment in order to terminate attacks, to rapidly and safely relieve the pain and inflammation as well as to deter further complications (formation of tophi).

Initial acute gout treatment is determined according to the severity of the condition at the time of diagnosis. Furthermore, a patient may have other existing medical conditions that complicate gout therapy. With patient compliance, however, gout therapy can be successful without any complications.

Acute treatment often demands a stringent medication regimen along with life- style modifications. Specifically, during acute gout therapy, a healthcare provider prescribes certain medication and recommends a healthy eating plan that helps reduce the level of uric acid production and intake. The medications that are generally prescribed to treat acute gout are:

Non- steroidal anti- inflammatory drug (NSAIDS)

Initially prescribed at maximum dosage and reduced as symptoms subside. Used for pain and inflammation for at least 48 hours. Generally, the first medication prescribed for acute gout.

Colchicine

Medication used to treat acute attacks of gout while simultaneously preventing subsequent attacks. It is not effective for curing gout or lowering uric acid levels. Prescribed to prevent or relieve gout flares by reducing inflammation.

Corticosteroids or adrenocorticotropic hormone

Medication used for patients who cannot take NSAIDS or colchicine. Used for acute gout as an intramuscular injection (daily doses).

Taking these medications along with life-style changes reduces the risk of further complications that may occur from untreated acute gout attacks. Gout patients must eat a healthy diet that includes low purine- rich foods and adequate fluid intake. Acute gout treatment is successful if there is total compliance with the treatment plan that your recommends.

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