Gout management: Practical steps to stop flares and lower uric acid

Gout attacks can feel sudden and brutal. The good news: most people can cut flare frequency and pain with a few focused changes. This page gives simple, practical moves you can use today and keep using for long-term control.

Quick actions during a flare

First, control pain and inflammation. Over-the-counter NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) often work if you can take them. If those aren’t right for you, doctors usually prescribe colchicine or a short steroid course. Call your healthcare provider for the best choice—don’t guess with strong meds.

Second, rest and protect the joint. Raise it, ice it for 10–15 minutes at a time, and avoid putting weight on it. Try to keep fluids up; dehydration makes crystals more likely to form.

Long-term prevention that actually works

Target your uric acid number. Most experts aim for a serum uric acid below 6 mg/dL. If your number stays high, gout crystals can keep forming and cause more attacks. Your doctor can check this with a simple blood test and discuss urate-lowering drugs like allopurinol or febuxostat when needed.

Start and stick with urate-lowering therapy when it’s recommended. These drugs won’t help pain instantly, but taken daily they lower uric acid and prevent future flares. If you begin one, your doctor may also give a low-dose colchicine or NSAID for the first few months to prevent flare-ups while uric acid falls.

Adjust what you eat, but don’t crash diet. Cut back on beer, spirits, and sugary drinks—beer is especially linked to flares. Reduce organ meats, anchovies, sardines, and big portions of red meat. Add more vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy; these help lower risk. Rapid weight loss can trigger attacks, so aim for slow, steady weight loss if needed.

Drink more water—aim for about 2–3 liters a day unless your doctor says otherwise. Good hydration helps flush uric acid. Some people find cherries or cherry juice and vitamin C give small benefits; they’re fine as extra tools, not replacements for meds.

Track your triggers. Keep a simple note of what you ate, how much alcohol you had, and activity levels. Over time you’ll spot patterns and can make small, effective changes.

Finally, follow up and test regularly. A yearly or twice-yearly blood test (more often when starting or changing meds) keeps you on target. If joints stay painful or lumps (tophi) appear, see a specialist—earlier care prevents damage.

Gout is manageable. With the right meds, steady lifestyle changes, and a little tracking, most people get long stretches with few or no flares. Talk with your doctor about a plan that fits your life and keeps you moving.