To confirm the presence of uric acid crystals in persistent cases, a doctor may take X-rays or draw fluid from the synovial sac that cushions the joint.
The standard treatment of gout is the prescription of the anti-inflammatory agent colchicine. You may also want to keep the foot or affected extremity bare at all times, including during sleep. A doctor may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or ibuprofen to relieve the pain. For severe or chronic cases of gout, corticosteroid injections may help relieve the pressure and reduce inflammation.
In order to keep the body’s level of uric acid in balance, cut out alcohol and fatty foods. For extra help in this area, a doctor may prescribe allopurinol, a drug that reduces the body's production of uric acid.
