The pain from gout is not from the crystals-they are inert, but from the body attacking the crystals. Apparently, the white blood cells recognize these crystals as invaders and attack. Interestingly, man and the guinea pig are the only animals that get gout since we lack an enzyme that will process uric acid to a soluble end product. For years, the only treatment was dietary. Avoiding foods high in DNA like brains, organs of any type-especially liver, sardines, beans, etc.
Alcohol is also likely to set off an attack, particularly wine or beer.
Allopurinol was discovered in the 1950s and is used as a preventive medicine - not a treatment of an acute attack. Allopurinol is very useful in preventing attacks if the level of uric acid is kept below 7 or so. If recurrent attacks occur, the dose may need to be adjusted. Usually 200-300 mg will suffice depending on ones weight. Allopurinol is very well tolerated except for an occasional allergic reaction.