Tips for managing gout flare

Gout›Tips for managing gout flare

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)
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 following:¹

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 socks 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

1 – WebMD. How to treat gout attacks at home. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/gout-attacks-at-home. Accessed 19 June 2021.
2 – Arthritis Foundation. Managing a gout flare. Available at: https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/more-about/managing-a-gout-attack. Accessed 19 June 2021.