What is the first treatment tried for gout?

A gout flare happens when urate crystals irritate a joint, often causing sudden pain, swelling, warmth and tenderness. Anti-inflammatory treatment targets that inflammation; the choice depends on your health, medicines, kidney function and other risks. A clinician may assess you through a GP Consultation and may use a Blood Test or Joint Aspiration when the diagnosis needs checking.

Arrange medical advice promptly, especially if this is your first painful swollen joint. Rest the joint, keep it raised when practical, and drink normally unless a clinician has given you fluid restrictions. Do not start, stop or combine medicines without checking. Once the flare is assessed, Nutrition Counselling may help you discuss food, alcohol and hydration habits, while longer-term urate management can be considered separately.

Seek urgent medical care for a hot swollen joint with fever, chills, feeling faint or marked illness, because infection can resemble gout. Seek prompt assessment if pain followed an injury, the joint is rapidly worsening, or you cannot move or use the limb. A first episode also deserves confirmation rather than self-diagnosis.

Ask which anti-inflammatory option fits your medical history, whether testing is needed to confirm gout, and how to recognise a future flare. Ask when longer-term urate treatment should be discussed.