Gout self-care: Approved tips for managing a gout flare

Overview

Gout is a type of arthritis triggered by high levels of uric acid in the blood, forming sharp crystals in the joints. These crystals cause swelling and pain, known as a gout flare. While a gout attack can be extremely painful, they are quite manageable with proper self-care and treatment. In Australia, around 224,000 people (roughly 0.9% of the population) are affected by gout.¹ This increasing number highlights the importance of early treatment and prevention.

What happens during a gout flare?

When you get a gout flare, you’ll typically notice:

• A sudden, intense joint pain, usually at night, commonly affects the big toe (but it can affect ankles, feet, knees, wrists, and elbows).
• The affected joint becomes swollen, red, hot, and extremely sore to the touch.
• This happens because excess uric acid in the blood causes urate crystals in the joint, leading to inflammation.

Triggers of the flare may include:

• A diet rich in purines (like red meat, organ meats, and some seafood), as purines break down to uric acid.
• Dehydration or making sudden changes in fluid intake can make it difficult for the kidneys to clear uric acid.
• Drinking too much alcohol, especially beer and spirits, can increase the risk of a gout flare.
• Sudden weight loss, fasting, or crash dieting can trigger flares.

In a typical gout flare, the swelling and pain get worse within 12-24 hours and, if not treated, may continue for several days to over a week or more before easing.

Immediate self-care

If a flare strikes, here are some approved self-care steps you can take at home (while also contacting your GP):

• Rest the affected joint: Avoid putting too much weight or pressure on the affected joint (especially if it’s your foot or ankle). Let it rest and recover.
• Apply ice packs: Use a cold compress or ice pack (wrapped in a cloth) for about 15-20 minutes multiple times a day to help reduce pain and swelling.
• Elevate the joint: Lifting the affected joint can help decrease swelling. Use pillows to support the foot or hand, elevating it above heart level to promote proper circulation and reduce fluid accumulation around the joint.
• Stay hydrated: Drink sufficient water. Hydration supports the kidneys in flushing uric acid. Dehydration can increase the risk of gout flares.
• Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks: Avoid alcohol (especially beer and spirits) and drinks high in sugar or fructose, as they may exacerbate gout symptoms by increasing uric acid levels in the body.
• Use prescribed medications: If your GP has already prescribed treatment for gout flares (such as NSAIDs, Colchicine, or corticosteroids), use them as directed. Early intervention helps reduce the duration and severity of the flare.

Lifestyle & diet adjustment

Once the gout flare has eased, working on prevention is key. Here are a few practical tips:

• Limit foods high in purines: reduce consumption of red meat, organ meats (liver, kidneys), shellfish, and certain types of fish (like sardines and anchovies), as they may contribute to higher uric acid levels.
• Choose low-fat dairy and plant-based proteins: Opt for low-fat milk, yoghurt, and plant-based proteins like lentils or tofu to reduce flares.
• Maintain a healthy weight: If you’re overweight, losing it gradually can help. Quick or crash diets may trigger flares, hence consistent progress is safest.
• Stay physically active: Regular, low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and cycling contribute to preserving joint mobility and improving overall health.
• Moderate alcohol and sugary drink intake: Limit your alcohol intake and reduce consumption of sugary drinks.

Medical treatment

Here is a brief overview of the standard medical treatments for gout:

• Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) for pain relief.
• Colchicine to reduce inflammation during acute flares.
• Corticosteroids for severe or unresponsive cases.
• Long-term uric acid-lowering therapy (e.g., allopurinol, febuxostat) for chronic gout prevention.

Your GP must tailor your medication plan, ensuring it aligns with your overall health conditions, including kidney, heart, and liver issues, along with medications you already take.

When to see a doctor

See your GP if:

• The flare doesn’t improve within a few days, or the pain is severe.
• Symptoms become more frequent or severe.
• There’s fever, redness, or signs of infection.
• You’ve been diagnosed previously, but the symptoms are new or affect a different joint.

Having regular medical review is important for ongoing uric acid management and possible long-term treatment.

How Hola Health can help

If you’re based in Australia and dealing with a gout flare or need help in managing ongoing gout care, an online telehealth service such as Hola Health can be a convenient option:

• Australians can book online GP consultations through Hola Health for gout flares or repeat prescriptions.
• Doctors can prescribe pain relief or uric acid–lowering medication online.
• You can get referrals to a rheumatologist or other specialist without needing to wait for face-to-face visits.
• You can get medical certificates if gout pain limits your ability to work.

Conclusion

A gout flare can cause intense pain, but they are manageable with prompt care, healthy habits, and proper medical treatment. Rest, hydration, using an ice pack, trigger avoidance, and ongoing GP support can prevent future flares. If you suspect a gout flare, act early.

FAQs

What triggers a gout flare?

Common triggers include diets rich in purines (such as red meat, organ meats, and seafood), drinking too much alcohol (especially beer and spirits), dehydration, rapid weight loss, sudden illness or surgery, and some medications for kidney problems.

How long does a gout attack last?

A gout flare usually peaks within 12-24 hours and can last a few days to a week if treated. Without treatment, symptoms may last longer.

Can I treat gout at home without seeing a doctor?

You can manage the initial stage of a gout flare with self-care steps such as rest, using ice packs, staying hydrated, and avoiding known triggers. However, you should consult a doctor to confirm the diagnosis, assess for underlying issues, and receive the right medication.

Is gout linked to diet or genetics?

Yes, diet can influence gout risk (foods high in purines, alcohol, and sugary drinks), and genetics also contributes to it. Other health conditions, such as kidney disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, may further increase risk.

Can online doctors prescribe gout medication in Australia?

Yes, online GPs can prescribe medications for severe gout attacks and, in many cases, start long-term uric acid-lowering therapy (in consultation with your regular GP or specialist). Ensure the service is fully accredited and the prescriptions comply with state or territory regulations.