If you've ever experienced a gout flare-up, you know just how painful and disruptive it can be. One minute you're feeling fine, and the next you're dealing with intense pain, swelling, and tenderness.
While there's no instant cure for a flare-up, several ways exist to manage the pain, reduce inflammation, and help your body recover more quickly.
In this blog, Dr. Maurice Aiken and our expert podiatric team at Bay Breeze Foot & Ankle Specialists in Dunedin, Florida, share five practical, podiatrist-approved tips to help you get through your next gout flare with a little more comfort and control.
One of the first things we recommend for managing a gout flare-up is plenty of rest. Stress, strenuous exercise, and long periods on your feet can make a gout flare-up worse — don’t tough it out.
Find a comfortable spot to sit or lie down and elevate your foot with pillows to help reduce swelling. Try to avoid standing or walking too much until the pain subsides. Keep the joint cool and still, and avoid tight socks or shoes that put pressure on the area.
We also strongly encourage you to manage your stress. Emotional and mental health issues can have a direct impact on your physical health and make gout worse.
An ice pack or cold compress can be very effective during a gout flare-up. The cold helps numb the area and reduce swelling by constricting blood vessels.
Here's how to do it:
Remember: Don't apply ice directly to the skin — you don't want frostbite on top of gout.
Staying hydrated plays a major role in managing gout. When your body is well-hydrated, it's better at flushing out uric acid, which builds up in your joints and triggers flare-ups.
Aim for at least 8-16 glasses of water daily during a flare (and beyond). Limit sugary drinks and avoid alcohol, especially beer, which is a known gout trigger.
If plain water isn't your thing, add a slice of lemon or cucumber for flavor without adding sugar.
Diet is another major factor in triggering and managing gout. During a flare-up, it's important to avoid foods high in purines (compounds that break down into uric acid in the body).
Try to steer clear of:
Instead, focus on low-purine foods like:
These small dietary shifts can reduce the frequency of future flare-ups and help your joints feel better faster. Try them the next time you have a run-in with gout, and then keep up the healthy habits to avoid future issues.
If you've been diagnosed with gout, we've likely prescribed anti-inflammatory medications, colchicine, or steroids to help manage symptoms. Take them exactly as directed, even if your pain starts to improve.
Over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen can also help with pain and inflammation in a pinch, but always check with Dr. Aiken before starting any new medication, especially if you have other health conditions.
Don't have a prescription yet? Contact our team. Prompt treatment during the early stages of a flare can shorten the duration and intensity of your symptoms.
Gout flare-ups aren't fun, but they are manageable. You can reduce your symptoms and feel better faster with the right care.
If you're unsure where to start or feel like your current treatment isn't working, don't tough it out. Our expert is here to help you stay comfortable, mobile, and one step ahead of your next flare.
Call Bay Breeze Foot & Ankle Specialists or request an appointment online today.
