The treatment is aimed mainly to stop the pain and inflammation associated with the initial attack, and to prevent future attacks. The pain usually subsides within 12 hours of starting the treatment and is completely relieved in 48 hours. The medication works by decreasing the inflammation caused by uric acid crystals accumulated within the joints. However, it does not decrease the uric acid levels in the bloodstream. Increased fluid intake prevents the formation of kidney stones.
Diuretics can reduce the formation of uric acid crystals.
Treatment allows people to live a normal life. The acute form of the disease may progress to chronic disease. Symptoms are generally worse in people who develop the disease before the age of 30. Also, since uric acid is normally eliminated by the kidneys, chronic gout may lead to formation of kidney stones. Gout is more common in men than women.