Rational treatment of gout. Stopping an attack and preventing recurrence

The most definitive method of diagnosis for acute gouty arthritis is aspiration of the affected joint and examination of the fluid for the characteristic needle-shaped monosodium urate crystals. Treatment is aimed at promptly stopping the attack and reversing complications. Colchicine and various nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are effective for both treatment and prophylaxis. Antihyperuricemic therapy may be indicated in patients who have had several attacks in a year.