If you manage gout, you likely know the signs of this common inflammatory arthritis and when a flare-up is on the way. You can't stop an attack once it starts. But you can take some steps to get relief at home.
Warning Signs of a Gout Flare-Up
Some people with gout, also known as gouty arthritis, say an attack begins with a burning, itching, or tingling feeling in a joint, often an hour or two before the flare-up starts. The joint may feel a little stiff or a bit sore. Not long after, the telltale signs of gout symptoms quickly begin. If you get repeated attacks, you'll learn to spot these signs.
Sometimes, a flare can come on without any warning. You may just wake up in the middle of the night with a very painful joint.
When the flare starts, most people have redness, swelling, and severe pain, usually in one joint. The most common place for gout is the base of the big toe, but it can happen in other joints such as the elbow, knee, wrist, ankle, and instep.
Medicine for Gout Flare-Ups
If your doctor has prescribed gout medicine for a flare-up, take it as directed as soon as you know that an attack is coming.
NSAIDs for gout. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help relieve your pain and lower inflammation. Some, such as celecoxib (Celebrex) or indomethacin (Indocin), require prescriptions. Or your doctor may suggest you take over-the-counter NSAIDs, such as naproxen or ibuprofen.
Steroids for gout.Depending on your medical history, your doctor may prescribe steroids to reduce inflammation. You can get steroids as a pill, a shot, or through an IV. Sometimes, your doctor can inject the steroid into your flaring joint — you typically get relief after 24 hours.
Preventive gout medications. Colchicine (Colcrys, Gloperba, Mitigare) helps reduce inflammation and lower your risk of another gout attack. Colchicine works best if you take it within 24 hours of your first warning sign of a flare-up.
Other medications for gout.In some cases, you may already take medicines such as colchicine to prevent gout flare-ups. Your doctor may also suggest a medicine to lower your uric acid, which can build up to cause gout attacks.
- Allopurinol (Lopurin, Zyloprim)
- Febuxostat (Uloric)
- Probenecid (Probalan)
- Pegloticase (Krystexxa)
Just because you have a flare doesn't mean your gout medicines aren't working. You may have an attack when you first start gout treatment until your body adjusts to the new drug. Your doctor will likely give you something to take if this happens, too.
But if you have been taking a preventive gout medicine for a long time and are having flares for the first time in a while, call your doctor. They may talk to you about changing your dosage and your gout medicine, or add gout remedies that you can try at home.
Home Remedies for a Gout Flare-Up
Use cold. If your pain isn't too bad, try cold packs or compresses on your affected joint to lower inflammation and soothe the ache. Wrap ice in a thin towel and apply it to the joint for up to 20 minutes, several times a day. Don't ice your hands or feet if you have nerve problems from diabetes or other causes.
Rest the joint. It's a good idea to rest it until the pain eases up. You probably don't want to move it much anyway. If you can, raise the joint on a pillow or other soft object.
Drink water. When your body doesn’t have enough water, your uric acid levels rise even higher. Stay hydrated to help keep those levels down.
Watch what you eat and drink. Foods high in substances called purines, such as some seafood, organ meats such as liver, and fatty foods, can raise the uric acid in your blood and trigger a flare. So can fructose-sweetened drinks and alcohol, especially beer.
Talk with your doctor before making any changes to your diet so they can help you decide where to start and adjust your gout treatment plan.
When to Get Help for a Gout Flare
It's always a good idea to let your doctor know if you're having a flare. Sometimes, you may need to make sure your gout treatment plan is working or adjust your medication if your gout symptoms don't improve. Call your doctor if:
This is your first flare-up. There are several other conditions, such as a joint infection, that have some of the same symptoms as gout flares.
You have a high fever and chills.Gout attack symptoms may include a mild fever, but a higher temperature can be a sign of an infection.
Your symptoms don't get any better after 48 hours or don't end after about a week. If you don't start to feel somewhat better after a few days, call your doctor. They can suggest a different gout treatment. Most gout attacks will go away by themselves in several weeks, even without treatment.
Takeaways
At the first sign of a gout flare, take your medication right away to lower inflammation as well as the chances of future flare-ups. Drink water, try an ice pack, and elevate your swollen joint for relief. Call your doctor if this is your first flare-up, your fever is high, or your flare is not going away.
FAQs for Gout Attacks at Home
Is there a target uric acid level that I should aim for?
Most doctors recommend a uric acid level below 6 milligrams/deciliter (mg/dL) for gout, but if you have advanced gout or gout tophi, your target may be below 5 mg/dL. Talk with your doctor about the best uric acid target for your gout treatment plan.
How can I lower uric acid quickly?
The quickest way to lower or minimize uric acid is to follow your gout treatment plan. Take the gout medication prescribed by your doctor as soon as you notice the first gout symptoms. You can also drink plenty of water to help your kidneys flush the uric acid out.
Are there common triggers for gout flares?
Many conditions can set off a gout attack by causing inflammation or upsetting the uric acid balance inside your body. Common triggers include:
- Recent hospital stay
- Injury or trauma to a joint
- A diet that includes sugary, fatty foods, or alcohol
- Not getting enough water (dehydration)
- Medication that changes uric acid levels
How do you treat gout in 10 minutes?
Gout flare-ups don’t go away after 10 minutes and typically last a few weeks. Take your gout flare medicine to help ease your gout symptoms and lower inflammation. Elevate your swollen joint and cool it with an ice pack to quickly soothe the pain.
What is the fastest way to flush out gout?
Although you can help your kidneys flush out uric acid by drinking water, the inflammatory reaction inside your joint that causes gout will take time to go away. The fastest way to get relief for your gout symptoms is to follow your treatment plan, take your gout flare medicine, and drink plenty of water.
