Hi Thanks for writing After going through your suffering, the remedial treatment for gout includes - 1. Pain killer like naproxen, Ibuprofen .along with short course of cortisone. 2. Drugs which lower the uric acid like- allopurinol and febuxostat. These are prescription only drugs so you may have to contact your local doctor. When the patient is put on allopurinol there may be increase in pain (acute flare up).To counter this pain patient is given anti inflammatory and analgesic drugs along with allopurinol for a month or so. This should be explained to the patient. It is for the same reason the drug allopurinol is never given during an attack of gout, and it is started only after the pain and swelling has subsided. In addition to medication, the following suggestion may help your gout flare-up pain-- 1. Ice fomentation- If the pain is not severe, try cold packs or cold compresses on the joint to lessen the inflammation and help the pain. Ice the joint for 20 to 30 minutes several times a day. 2. Rest the joint.-. Raise the joint if you can on a pillow or other soft object. 3. Plenty of water -A lack of water in your body can makes your uric acid levels raise even higher than they already are. Drinking water will help your body stabilize uric acid to a normal level. 4 Dietary advice- The Purines, which are chemicals found in some food, when they are taken in food are broken down into uric acid. A diet rich in purines can raise uric acid levels in the body, Meat and seafood may increase your risk of gout. Dairy products may lower your risk. Following are the food items rich in purines- 1. Organ meats, such as liver, kidney, sweetbreads, and brains 2. Meats, including bacon, beef, pork, and lamb 3.Anchovies, sardines, herring, mackerel, and scallops 4. Gravy and Beer. Food items which are moderately high in purines, but may not raise your risk of gout if are not taken in excess like fish and seafood (other than high purine seafood) oatmeal, wheat bran, and wheat germ. Foods that are safe to eat that is they are low in purines like 1. Green vegetables, tomatoes, fruits and fruit juices 2. Breads and cereals that are not whole-grain 3. Butter, buttermilk, cheese, and eggs Chocolate and cocoa Coffee, tea, and carbonated beverages Peanut butter and nuts. To prevent gout attack from occurring, my suggestion would be- 1. Try to keep serum uric acid level below 6mg/decilitre. 2. Drink plenty of water and increase it proportionate to your physical work and weather condition. Follow the dietary advice as written above. Take citrus fruit /tab.Limcee to have your daily dose of vitamin C. 3. Try to avoid stressful situation by better planning, weight control and regular exercises helps. 4. If an attack of Gout occurs while on allopurinol, you should increase the dose besides taking pain killer. You may change to febustat if have side effects to allopurinol. 5. Do not discontinue (allopurinol) until and unless advised by your doctor to do so. 6. Avoid drugs which may raise the uric acid level like-aspirin, drugs which causes increased urination (Diuretics). 7. Low fat yogurt and milk may lower your risk of gout Regards Dr.chugh http://bit.ly/drmchugh