How the doctor would treat an acute gout attack

Often, on a Monday morning, after indulging in red wine and red meat, people wake up with a painful, warm, red and very uncomfortable big toe. The first time this happens, it may be quite a shock as gout can be very painful, with some people describing it as a burning flame in the joint.

Crystals in the joints

An acute gout attack is anything but a mild discomfort, and is so debilitatingly painful, that patients can barely walk on the affected foot. A gout attack is brought on when uric acid levels in the blood rise and cause crystals to form in a joint. This leads to significant inflammation and joint pain.