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Treatments for Gout Attacks

Like other forms of arthritis, gout is a disease that attacks the joint by causing excess amounts of inflammation. When this inflammation occurs, it is commonly referred to as a gout attack. Usually gout attacks the joint of the big toe; however, gout has been known to also affect the knees, wrists, fingers and other prominent joints of the body. According to the American Arthritis Foundation, an estimated three million Americans are affected by gout in the United States.

  1. NSAIDs

    • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, are one of the most common ways to fight a gout attack. The swelling associated with a gout attack is caused by substances in the body called prostaglandins. These prostaglandins are produced by COX enzymes. NSAIDs work by blocking the COX-1 enzymes, which reduces the amount of overall prostaglandins being produced. With less prostaglandins being present near the gout attack, swelling begins to decrease. NSAIDs come in both prescription and over-the counter strengths, and include the medications Advil, Aleve and Motrin.

    Steroids

    • Steroids are another commonly used way to treat gout attacks. For mild gout attacks, steroids can be taken orally. For more sever gout attacks, steroids can be directly administered to the affected area by injecting steroids into the affected joint. Steroids work similarly to NSAIDs in that they inhibit the activity of prostaglandin in the body. Steroids also affect the activities of the immune system. Along with prostaglandin, the immune system's white blood cells are also responsible for triggering inflammation of the joint. Steroids, especially corticosteroids, work to limit the white blood cells ability to produce inflammation in the joint. Common steroids used for the treatment of gout attacks include Prednisone and Deltasone.

    Colchicine

    • One of the first treatments ever discovered for gout attacks was Colchicine. This drug is still prescribed today for patients that are unable to take either NSAIDs or steroids. Like NSAIDs and steroids, Colchicine works by inhibitting the immune system's ability to produce inflammation in the joint. Unfortunately, Colchicine has a host of side effects, and can become toxic if taken at the wrong doses. Common side effects of Colchicine include stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. If taken intravenously, Colchicine may also cause blood disorders such as anemia and bone marrow depression.

    Prevention

    • To help prevent future gout attacks, your physician may prescribe one or more daily medications to help reduce the levels of uric acid being deposited into your joints. These medications can either block uric acid production (such as the medications Aloprim and Zyloprim) or help the body remove uric acid from your system (such as the medication Probenecid.)

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