Rest the affected joint and limit use
Apply ice pack to the joint for 15–20 minutes at a time, several times daily during flare-ups
Stay hydrated
Take gout flare medications as prescribed:
NSAIDs (e.g., indomethacin, naproxen, ibuprofen) if safe for you
Colchicine if started early in the flare and if safe for you
Corticosteroids (oral or injected) if NSAIDs/colchicine aren’t suitable
Start or adjust long-term urate-lowering therapy as prescribed (do not stop during flares unless instructed):
Allopurinol
Febuxostat
Probenecid (selected patients)
Use flare prophylaxis when starting urate-lowering therapy as prescribed (commonly low-dose colchicine or NSAID)
Avoid triggering foods and drinks during flares and long-term:
Alcohol, especially beer and spirits
Sugar-sweetened beverages and high-fructose corn syrup
Organ meats (liver, kidney)
Red meat and certain seafood (e.g., anchovies, sardines, mackerel)
Limit high-purine foods and large portions of:
Red meat
Some seafood
Choose lower-purine options:
Low-fat dairy products
Vegetables, whole grains, and most fruits
Coffee (if tolerated and no contraindications)
Maintain a healthy weight; avoid rapid weight loss
Manage comorbidities that increase risk:
Hypertension
Diabetes/insulin resistance
Kidney disease
High cholesterol
Review medications with a clinician:
Ask about adjusting drugs that can raise uric acid (e.g., some diuretics)
Follow up to monitor uric acid levels and adjust therapy to target (as prescribed)
Seek urgent care if:
Fever, chills, or severe worsening pain occurs
The joint is hot/red with inability to bear weight
Infection, septic arthritis, or another emergency is suspected
Do not self-treat with leftover prescriptions; use only what a clinician has prescribed for you