How to get rid of gout

Gout is an inflammatory arthritis caused by urate crystals collecting in and around a joint. A flare can cause sudden severe pain, warmth, redness and swelling, often in a foot, ankle or knee. Chronic Kidney Disease and some medicines can affect urate handling; body weight and other health factors may also influence risk. Joint Pain and Joint Swelling have many causes, so a painful episode needs the right diagnosis.

During a flare, rest the affected joint, raise it when comfortable and use a cool pack wrapped in cloth for short periods. A clinician may prescribe anti-inflammatory treatment or another flare medicine after checking your health and current medicines. Long-term urate-lowering treatment may reduce crystal deposits, but it must be taken as directed and reviewed rather than stopped when pain settles. Ask about hydration, alcohol, food patterns and a gradual approach to weight management; Obesity can coexist with gout without explaining every attack.

Get urgent medical assessment for a hot, swollen joint with fever, chills, feeling very unwell or rapidly worsening pain, because infection can look similar to gout. Arrange review if attacks recur, involve the knee or ankle, leave ongoing swelling or do not improve with the prescribed plan.

Ask how the diagnosis was confirmed, whether your medicines or kidney function affect treatment, and whether you need a long-term urate plan. Ask what to do at the first sign of a flare and when your treatment should be reviewed.