Is heat or ice better for relieving gout pain?

Use cold compresses or cold packs rather than heat to reduce inflammation and pain from gout attacks, WebMD states. The painful joint should be iced for 20 to 30 minutes several times a day.

Rest the joint, drink plenty of water and avoid foods that are high in purines such as seafood, organ meats and even some vegetables, recommends WebMD. It is also important to remove any clothing or bedding from the affected area, as many people report that even the weight of a bedsheet can increase the pain. A health care provider may also recommend the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen.