Gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden and severe pain, swelling, and tenderness in the joints. Here are some ways to treat a gout flare-up:

1. Take medicine: If your doctor has prescribed medicine for a flare-up, take it as directed when you know you’re having one. In most cases, that will probably be as soon as the first signs begin. Your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as celecoxib, indomethacin, meloxicam, or sulindac or suggest you take over-the-counter NSAIDs, like naproxen or ibuprofen. Depending on your medical history, your doctor may prescribe steroids or other medicines to reduce inflammation, such as colchicine (Colcrys) .

2. Apply cold packs: If your pain isnt too bad, try cold packs or compresses on the joint to lower inflammation and soothe the ache. Wrap ice in a thin towel and apply it to the affected area for 20 to 30 minutes at a time, several times a day.

3. Elevate your foot: If your toe or foot is swollen and painful, raising it with pillows so it’s higher than your chest may help reduce swelling.

4. Drink water: When your body doesn’t have enough water, your uric acid levels rise even higher. Stay hydrated to help keep those levels normal.

5. Watch what you eat and drink: Foods that are high in substances called purines, such as some seafood, organ meats like liver, and fatty foods, can raise the uric acid in your blood and trigger a gout flare-up. Limit alcoholic beverages and drinks sweetened with fruit sugar (fructose). Instead, drink plenty of nonalcoholic beverages, especially water. Avoid foods high in purines, such as red meat and organ meats, such as liver, anchovies, sardines, mussels, scallops, trout, and tuna.

6. Relax: Stress can trigger gout. Watching a movie, talking with a friend, reading a book, or listening to music can be a good distraction.

7. Call your doctor: Let your doctor know what is going on right away. She may prescribe a new medication, or have you come to the office for a joint fluid test (to confirm the gout diagnosis) or an injection of a corticosteroid to start relieving inflammation quickly. Getting treatment within the first 24 hours of the start of a flare can lessen its length and severity.

It is important to note that whenever starting a uric acid lowering treatment, there is a risk of precipitating a gout flare. A plan should be in place for management if this occurs. This generally can be avoided with the co-administration of prophylactic medications (steroids, colchicine, NSAIDs) along with the uric acid lowering therapy.