Gout often results in nodules called tophi; this image shows an affected elbow. This image displays an inflamed gouty tophus. This image displays yellow-white nodules under the skin, typical of gout. This image displays the firm, hard lump typical of advanced gout. This image display a frequent location of gout, the fingers. The rim of this man's ear has an ulcer due to a gouty tophus.
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Gout:
Information for adults

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Picture of Gout: Gout often results in nodules called tophi; this image shows an affected elbow. Divider line
Gout often results in nodules called tophi; this image shows an affected elbow.
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Treatments Your Physician May Prescribe
The goals of treatment of gout are to reduce the pain associated with acute attacks, to prevent future attacks from occurring, and to avoid the formation of tophi and kidney stones.

Your physician may recommend one or more of the following treatments for acute attacks:

  • Rest and elevation of the affected joint
  • Anti-inflammatory medications, including ibuprofen, naproxen, or indomethacin
  • Colchicine (an oral medication used to reduce inflammation)
  • Corticosteroids (a type of anti-inflammatory medicine) such as triamcinolone injections or prednisone pills
For long-term treatment and prevention of recurrent attacks, your physician may recommend one or more of the following:
  • Low-purine diet
  • Colchicine
  • Allopurinol (an oral medication used to prevent the formation of uric acid)
  • Probenecid (an oral medication used to help the body eliminate uric acid)
In rare cases, surgical intervention may be required in the case of large tophi or to correct any joint deformities.

Last Modified: 3 Mar 2008

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