Gout Management FAQs: Causes, Diet, Treatment, and Prevention

Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood, which forms sharp crystals in the joints. Your body produces uric acid when it breaks down purines, substances found naturally in your body and in certain foods. When uric acid levels get too high, crystals can deposit in joints and cause sudden, severe pain.

High-purine foods are the main dietary triggers. These include red meat, organ meats (liver, kidney), shellfish, sardines, and anchovies. Beer and liquor also raise uric acid levels. Sugary drinks with high-fructose corn syrup can increase risk as well. Reducing these foods can help lower your gout attack frequency.

Gout medications fall into two categories. For acute attacks, doctors prescribe colchicine, NSAIDs, or corticosteroids to reduce pain and inflammation quickly. For long-term management, allopurinol or febuxostat lower uric acid levels to prevent future attacks. Most people with recurring gout need daily medication to keep uric acid low.

Take prescribed anti-inflammatory medication immediately. Apply ice to the affected joint for 20 minutes at a time. Rest the joint and keep it elevated. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Avoid alcohol and high-purine foods during a flare. Contact your doctor if the attack is severe or does not improve within a few days.

Take uric acid-lowering medication as prescribed. Stay well hydrated with water throughout the day. Limit high-purine foods, alcohol, and sugary drinks. Maintain a healthy weight through gradual changes. Avoid crash diets, which can trigger attacks. Regular follow-up with your doctor to monitor uric acid levels is important.

A normal uric acid level is below 6.8 mg/dL. For gout patients, doctors typically aim for levels below 6.0 mg/dL to prevent crystal formation. Levels above 7.0 mg/dL increase the risk of gout attacks. Your doctor will monitor your levels with regular blood tests, especially when adjusting medications.

Some research suggests that tart cherry juice or cherry extract may modestly reduce uric acid levels and decrease the frequency of gout attacks. However, the evidence is limited and cherry juice should not replace prescribed medications. It may be a helpful addition to your overall gout management plan.

Alcohol increases uric acid production and decreases its excretion, making gout worse. Beer is the highest risk due to its purine content. Liquor also raises risk. Wine appears to have less effect but is not risk-free. If you have gout, limiting or avoiding alcohol can significantly reduce your attack frequency.

Pseudogout (calcium pyrophosphate deposition) causes similar sudden joint pain but involves different crystals. Septic arthritis from infection can mimic gout. Rheumatoid arthritis flares can also cause sudden joint inflammation. Proper diagnosis requires joint fluid analysis by a doctor to identify the specific crystals involved.

See a doctor if you experience sudden severe joint pain (especially in the big toe), if attacks are becoming more frequent, if you have a fever with joint pain, or if current medications are not controlling your symptoms. Early treatment prevents joint damage and complications like kidney stones.