| Gout is caused by the increase in the amount of | | | | decrease the inflammation and decrease the |
| uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is normally removed | | | | chemical responses that cause pain. It is important |
| from the body through the urine, however if it is | | | | to know that there are many side effects from |
| not excreted it can form crystals, which irritate | | | | all of the medications and you must discuss these |
| body tissues like the lining of joints. This will in turn | | | | with your healthcare provider. |
| cause inflammation and pain, which is often quite | | | | In some gout attacks patients may need joint |
| severe. | | | | fluid removed for analysis and during the process |
| The relief of pain is remarkable with some of the | | | | can have local numbing medicines injected into the |
| anti-inflammatory medicines also called NSAIDS or | | | | joint. These numbing medicines are also called local |
| non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. The | | | | anesthetics. Sometimes steroids are injected into |
| typical example is indomethacin or ibuprofen. | | | | a joint to decrease the inflammation. |
| Applying local ice or heat may sometimes help as | | | | As with all medications make sure you do not |
| well as keeping the joint without moving or | | | | have an allergy to them and sometimes taking |
| bumping into objects. | | | | the medicine with food may decrease stomach |
| Colchicine is typically used if the first line | | | | upset or gastric distress, especially medicines like |
| medications like NSAID's do not help but most | | | | steroids. |
| people have relief of pain ultimately. Even if no | | | | If a person is on many medications, which can |
| medicines are taken the attack will subside in a | | | | cause gout, changing these may help. One |
| few days. However if repeated attacks occur | | | | common cause is diuretic medications, which |
| there can be lasting damage. | | | | decrease leg swelling or edema. Many older |
| In some situations steroid medications like | | | | individuals are on these medicines and if they get |
| prednisone may be needed. The steroids will | | | | a gout attack they must remember this fact. |