Acute gout presenting with a great toe joint on exam and negatively birefringent crystals on microscopy is best treated with which medication?

• A. Aspirin
• B. Probenecid
• C. Indomethacin
• D. Allopurinol

Answer: (C)

An acute gout flare is best treated by rapidly reducing joint inflammation and pain. An NSAID serves this purpose well, with indomethacin being a classic, effective option because it provides quick and robust anti-inflammatory relief in the affected joint. In contrast, medications like allopurinol or probenecid address long-term uric acid control and are not used to treat an active flare, while aspirin can worsen uric acid levels and is not appropriate for acute gout. Once the flare resolves, long-term management can focus on preventing future attacks by controlling urate levels.