If you’ve ever experienced a sudden, intense pain in your big toe — red, swollen, and incredibly tender — you might have had a gout flare-up. Gout affects 12.1 million American adults. It’s a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in your joints, and it can come on fast and fierce.
But if the pain subsides on its own, does that mean your gout is healed? That’s just the question our team at Manhattan Podiatry Associates in Midtown and Downtown Manhattan, New York City, is here to answer.
When a gout flare strikes, quick action can help relieve your pain and prevent it from worsening. Rest your affected joint, apply ice to reduce swelling, and take prescribed anti-inflammatory medications as directed.
Gout flares often peak within 24 hours and may resolve on their own in a few days to a week. However, even if your pain disappears, the underlying cause — high uric acid levels — can remain.
Without proper management, future flare-ups are likely. Over time, repeated episodes can lead to joint damage or chronic gout.
One in 10 people with chronic kidney disease has gout. If your kidneys aren’t working right, all of that uric acid buildup can do long-term damage inside your body.
Letting gout go untreated can result in:
This is why it’s essential to address not just your symptoms, but the root of your problem.
At Manhattan Podiatry Associates, we personalize your gout treatment to manage current symptoms and prevent future flares. Your plan may include:
These medications help reduce pain, swelling, and redness during a gout flare. Common options include NSAIDs, corticosteroids, or colchicine.
Pro tip: Don’t try to power through a gout attack on your own. Early treatment can significantly shorten the duration of your attack and reduce your pain.
These drugs help prevent future gout attacks by lowering uric acid levels in your blood. Options like allopurinol or febuxostat are typically used for long-term management. Your provider monitors your levels and adjusts your dosage to keep flares at bay.
Making smart food choices can help prevent gout flares. Certain foods, such as red meat, shellfish, and alcohol, are high in purines and can trigger gout by raising uric acid levels. (Purines break down into uric acid.)
A gout-friendly diet emphasizes hydration, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.
Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and managing stress can all reduce gout risk. Lifestyle changes not only support joint health but also help manage other conditions like hypertension and diabetes, which often coexist with gout.
The bottom line is that long-term habits make a big difference in controlling your gout symptoms.
While a single attack might go away on its own, chronic gout doesn’t. The earlier you intervene, the easier it is to protect your joints and overall health. Our team is here to help you get relief, lower your risk of complications, and keep gout from interfering with your life.
Experiencing joint pain or suspect a gout flare-up? Call our location of your choice or click here to schedule an appointment with our team today.
