What is the first-line treatment for acute gout?

The first-line treatment for acute gout is the use of NSAIDs, with indomethacin being a historically common choice. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs help reduce pain and inflammation associated with gout attacks. By targeting the inflammatory process, these medications serve as effective acute management for the symptoms experienced during a gout flare.

While colchicine is a valuable option for treating acute gout, especially when NSAIDs are contraindicated or poorly tolerated, it is generally not the first-line treatment. Intraarticular steroid injections can also be effective and are reserved for cases where NSAIDs are unsuitable or when only a single joint is affected. Oral steroids can be considered, but they are typically recommended in specific circumstances and are not seen as the initial treatment choice.

Using a combination of indomethacin and colchicine may provide effective pain relief, but practice guidelines favor starting with NSAIDs due to their established track record in managing acute gout. Therefore, choosing NSAID therapy as the first-line option reflects current clinical recommendations and evidence, making it the correct answer.