Guidelines for Managing Gout Pain

During a gout attack, the following measures can help relieve the pain:

• Putting a warm pad or ice pack on the affected joint
• Keeping the weight of clothes and bed covers off the affected joint
• If possible, avoid moving or placing any pressure on the affected joint

When to Contact Your Doctor

The above treatments can help ease the pain of a gout attack. Drug treatment is usually needed to treat a gout attack and prevent recurrences. A gout attack is best treated as soon as possible to limit the severity of the attack and help prevent permanent joint damage. Contact your doctor immediately if:

• You think you may be experiencing a gout attack for the first time
• You have had gout attacks before, but your prescribed treatment does not control this attack quickly
• Your symptoms worsen, do not improve or keep coming back