Anti-Inflammatories

For people suffering from gout, anti-inflammatory medication can be their best friend. Perhaps the single biggest complication brought on by gout is the inflammation of joints. Crystals, formed from an abundance of dissolved uric acid, are typically deposited around the joints of the lower extremities. These crystals wreak havoc on the delicate cartilage, bone and tendons of the affected area.

The most popular medications are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, indomethacin and naproxen. For some, colchicine might be prescribed as it not only deals with inflammation and tenderness but can stop further attacks from taking place. Lastly, steroidal medication such as prednisone is used when NSAIDs are not considered safe. All of these medications have side effects and should only be taken after consulting a doctor. It’s also important to note that aspirin is not a recommended painkiller due to blood thinning properties.