How to manage gout flare?

Published: May 23, 2023

Average read time: 2 minutes

The most common place for a gout flare is the big toe, followed by the elbow, knee, wrist, ankle, and instep (the arch between toes and ankle)¹

Some people with gout do not have warning signs that a flare is about to start. They may just wake up in the middle of the night with a very painful joint. However, some people experience warning signs before a flare starts, such as the following¹:

Burning in the joint

Itching and tingling
in the joint

Joint may feel a little
stiff or sore

How do you manage a gout flare?²

Take the prescribed medications (pain relief, anti-inflammatory, and uric acid-lowering medications) you have on hand
Apply an ice pack on the painful joint for 20–30 minutes several times a day
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help flush out uric acid
Although it may be tempting to have an alcoholic drink when you’re in pain, but it contains high level of purines. Therefore, avoid alcohol at all cost
Use a walking cane to help keep the pressure off your painful joint
Elevate your foot by placing a pillow below your foot (higher than your chest) to reduce swelling
Create a gout-friendly sock by cutting the toe section off completely
Try to relax by taking your mind off the pain. Watch a movie or listen to some music

References:

How to treat gout attacks at home [Internet]. WebMD [cited 3 Apr 2023]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/gout-attacks-at-home.
Managing a gout flare [Internet]. Arthritis Foundation [cited 3 Apr 2023]. Available from: https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/more-about/managing-a-gout-attack

MAL2288366 NOV 2023