An acute attack needs rapid and strong treatment — the earlier you start, the faster and better the response. Goal: relieve pain and inflammation.
Medications:
- NSAIDs: Indomethacin or Naproxen at full dose. Start high then taper. Very effective within 24-48 hours.
- Colchicine: Very effective if taken within 12 hours of attack onset. Low dose (0.5mg twice) has fewer side effects than the old regimen.
- Corticosteroids: Pills (Prednisolone) or joint injection — for patients who can't tolerate NSAIDs (kidney or stomach issues).
Supportive Home Measures:
- Elevate the affected foot.
- Ice packs (not directly — wrap in cloth) 20 minutes every two hours.
- Drink plenty of water to speed uric acid excretion.
- Rest — don't exercise during an attack.
Important Warning:
Don't start Allopurinol during an attack — it worsens it. Only start 2 weeks after the attack resolves.
At BEIT TARIQ Center, we treat gout attacks quickly and plan to prevent future attacks.