Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications are most often used to
treat acute gout attacks and can provide relief fairly rapidly,
especially soon after the onset of the attack. Medications that may
be used include indomethacin, colchicine and corticosteroids.
Long-term drug treatment may be used to reduce the risk of future gout
attacks. The decision to use medication in this preventative manner is an
individual decision that should be carefully considered, as some medications
used for long-term treatment of gout are generally taken for life once
initiated. Probenecid, allopurinol, and colchicine are often
used for prevention of gout.
If gout attacks continue despite medical treatment, if there are
excessive deposits of gouty crystals within a joint, or if arthritis
causes continual discomfort, surgical treatment may be necessary to
remove the crystals and repair the joint. Failure to
consider surgery when it is needed may result in
permanent damage to the joint.
