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 changesMedicationsAlternative and complementary therapiesOther treatmentsReferences
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%5FInfo/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.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board David L. Horn, MD, FACP
- Review Date: 01/2020
- Update Date: 01/21/2020