Abstract: A method of treating inflammations of body joints in humans by topical application of anti-inflammatory agents may be used to treat joints afflicted by arthritic conditions such as gouty arthritis. The steps of the method include dissolving a predetermined quantity of a known anti-inflammatory drug, applying the medium with dissolved anti-inflammatory drug directly onto the skin covering a body joint known to be inflamed and allowing the medium with dissolved anti-inflammatory drug to be absorbed into the skin. Possible non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs which may be used with the method include indomethacin, phenylbutazone and colchicine. Steroidal non-inflammatory drugs may also be used.