Gout is an extremely painful condition that results from inflammation of the affected joints. With gout, small crystals of a compound called uric acid form in the joints, where they lead to massive inflammation, swelling, and excruciating pain. Gout attacks can affect any joint in the body but they usually begin in the foot, especially in the joints of the big toe. Gout treatments work to relieve the inflammation and to help prevent future attacks.
NSAIDs
One way of treating gout in the feet is through the use of NSAIDs, which are also known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. According to the NIAMS, there are a variety of NSAIDs, some of which can be purchased over-the-counter (such as ibuprofen and naproxen) and others which require a prescription (including indomethacin). NSAIDs work by relieving pain and by inhibiting inflammation. Because gout foot pain (particularly that of the big toe joint) is caused by inflammation relating to the uric acid crystals, NSAIDs can be very effective (when taken regularly) to prevent chronic gout foot pain, although they do carry with them an increased risk of stomach bleeding, pain or ulcers.
Colchicine
Medline notes that another treatment that can be used to relieve gout in the feet is colchicine. Colchicine is a medication that can be used both in the event of a severe acute gout attack and also as part of maintenance treatment to prevent future flare ups. Colchicine is a powerful prescription pain reliever, but it also carries with it more severe side effects, which can include vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. Consequently, it is typically only prescribed when NSAIDs are insufficient to manage gout pain or for "maintenance treatment" (low doses for preventative purposes).
Corticosteroids
Because gout pain is caused by inflammation, another option to treat gout foot pain is corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are available via prescription and work to severely reduce inflammation. They can be taken orally (in pill form) but can also be administered directly into the affected foot joints via an injection. Injections are generally preferred because they limit the side effects (because corticosteroids inhibit the immune system throughout the body and can also disrupt natural production of hormones). According to the Mayo Clinic, corticosteroids can also lead to thinning of the bones and poor wound healing, so they are typically only used as a last resort for patients who are not responding to other treatments.
