How can I tell I reall have gout. I take extra strength excedrin only once a day for arthritis pain. Can that in such small does give me gout? I do consume a decent amount of sugar, as far as my weight goes I m maybe ten pounds more than I should be. I just had what the emergency walk in felt was a gout episode, and was given a seven day prednisone pack. I m not very big on taking medication unless absolutely necessary. How will it really help gout?