What you can do right now for gout pain

When gout strikes your foot, the first step is to reduce the swelling and pain. Rest the foot completely — keep weight off it if possible, and elevate it above heart level. Apply ice wrapped in a cloth for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen can help, though some people find indomethacin works better for gout specifically. Drink plenty of water to help flush uric acid from your body.

These steps work best in the first 24 to 48 hours of an attack. If the pain is severe or you cannot bear weight on the foot, contact your doctor — they may prescribe stronger medication or inject the joint directly with a corticosteroid to bring down inflammation faster.

Key Takeaways

  • Rest, ice, elevation, and over-the-counter pain relievers can reduce gout pain within hours, though prescription medications work faster for severe attacks.
  • Colchicine, indomethacin, and corticosteroids are the main medications doctors prescribe during an active gout attack.
  • Once the attack subsides, long-term treatment focuses on lowering uric acid levels with medications like allopurinol or febuxostat to prevent future attacks.
  • Dietary changes — avoiding red meat, organ meats, shellfish, and alcohol — reduce uric acid buildup and lower your risk of another attack.
  • Most people need both immediate treatment for the current attack and a long-term plan to prevent the next one.

Prescription medications for an active gout attack

If home care is not enough, your doctor can prescribe medications that work specifically on gout inflammation. Colchicine is one of the oldest gout treatments — it reduces inflammation by blocking immune cells that cause swelling. It works best if you take it within the first 12 hours of an attack, and it often brings relief within hours. The downside is that it can cause stomach upset, so your doctor will tell you how much to take and when to stop.

Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is stronger than over-the-counter options. It reduces both pain and inflammation, though it carries the same stomach risks as other NSAIDs. Corticosteroids — either as a pill or injected directly into the joint — work when NSAIDs or colchicine do not, or when you cannot take them due to other health conditions. Your doctor will choose based on your medical history and how severe the attack is.

Long-term medications to prevent future attacks

Once the current attack is under control, your doctor will likely recommend a medication to lower the uric acid level in your blood. This prevents crystals from forming in your joints again. Allopurinol is the most commonly prescribed — it blocks the enzyme that produces uric acid. Febuxostat works the same way but may be an option if allopurinol causes side effects. Both take weeks to lower uric acid enough to prevent attacks, so your doctor may continue giving you colchicine or a low-dose NSAID for the first few months while the uric acid level drops.

Another option is probenecid, which works differently — it helps your kidneys excrete more uric acid instead of blocking its production. Your doctor will check your uric acid level with a blood test to see if the medication is working and adjust the dose if needed. The goal is to keep uric acid below 6 mg/dL, the point at which crystals stop forming.

Dietary changes that reduce uric acid

What you eat affects how much uric acid your body produces. Red meat, organ meats (liver, kidney), and certain shellfish (shrimp, scallops, anchovies) are high in purines — compounds your body breaks down into uric acid. Cutting back on these foods lowers your uric acid level. Alcohol, especially beer, also raises uric acid, so reducing how much you drink helps prevent attacks.

High-fructose corn syrup and sugary drinks increase uric acid production, so switching to water or unsweetened beverages makes a difference. Low-fat dairy products, cherries, and coffee may actually lower uric acid levels. You do not have to eliminate foods entirely — your doctor or a dietitian can help you find a balance that fits your life and still reduces your risk.

When to see a doctor about foot gout

Contact your doctor if this is your first gout attack, if the pain is severe, or if home care is not working within 24 hours. You should also see a doctor if you have gout attacks more than once or twice a year — that is a sign you need long-term treatment to prevent them. If you develop a fever along with joint pain, or if the swelling spreads to other joints, call your doctor right away, as this could indicate a different condition.

Your doctor will examine the foot, may order a blood test to check your uric acid level, and might use ultrasound or X-rays to confirm gout. Once diagnosed, they can prescribe the right medications for both the current attack and prevention of future ones.

Managing gout between attacks

Between attacks, the goal is to keep your uric acid level low enough that crystals do not form. Take your long-term medication exactly as prescribed, even when you feel fine — stopping it early is a common reason attacks return. Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day. Maintain a healthy weight, as obesity increases uric acid levels. Regular exercise also helps, though avoid intense activity during an active attack.

Keep track of what you eat and drink before attacks — you may notice patterns that help you avoid triggers. Some people find that certain foods or drinks consistently trigger gout, while others do not. Knowing your personal triggers makes it easier to prevent attacks without giving up foods you enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a gout attack last?

Without treatment, a gout attack typically lasts one to two weeks. With medication, pain and swelling usually improve within 24 to 48 hours. Starting treatment early — within the first 12 hours — gives the best results.

Can I walk on a foot with gout?

Walking on a gouty foot can increase pain and swelling. Rest is one of the most effective treatments. If you must move around, use crutches or a cane to keep weight off the foot, and elevate it as soon as you sit down.

Will gout go away on its own?

A single attack will eventually resolve without treatment, but it takes longer and hurts more. Without long-term medication to lower uric acid, most people have another attack within months or years. Long-term treatment prevents future attacks.

Is gout in the foot different from gout in other joints?

Gout is gout regardless of which joint it affects, but the big toe is the most common location because it is cooler and bears weight. Treatment is the same whether gout is in your foot, ankle, knee, or hand.

Can I take ibuprofen if I have gout?

Yes, ibuprofen and other NSAIDs can help with gout pain. However, some people find indomethacin or naproxen work better. If you have kidney disease, heart disease, or stomach ulcers, ask your doctor which pain reliever is safe for you.