Gout Attacks
If you are a new gout sufferer and just landed on this page, you probably are searching to find out how long a gout attack lasts. Whereas we veteran gout sufferers know all too well that gout attacks and gout pain may last from days to weeks depending on how serious it is. The answer isn’t so simple.
Gout attacks are typically excruciatingly painful for the first 12 to 24 hours. Afterward, you have prolonged daily incremental improvement until the pain subsides completely. That’s if you don’t jump to treat right away with colchicine or some other home remedy of your choice that you probably read on this website.
The average gout attack lasts three to seven days. A gout attack, on the other hand, may be quite stubborn and last for weeks in some people.
Heck, I’ve heard of one man who was confined to his bed for the majority of two months! If gout is not treated, expect frequent gout attacks for varying periods of time.
What to Expect with Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup in the joints. It is distinguished by sudden and severe joint pain. It is characterized by sudden, excruciating joint pain. However, it may also affect the joints of the fingers, elbows, wrists, or knees. It typically affects the joint at the base of the big toe.
With treatment, a gout attack typically lasts three days, but it might last up to fourteen days without it. If untreated, you’re more likely to experience fresh episodes more frequently, which may exacerbate pain and even harm your joints.
You’ll feel excruciating joint pain during a gout attack. After the initial discomfort subsides, you might continue to feel discomfort. Additionally, the joint will typically be swollen and red, and your range of motion there may be restricted.
You may have frequent gout attacks, which could lead to chronic gout and permanent joint damage. You may also develop small, white, painful lumps beneath your skin. Urate crystals have formed in this location.
Anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, or colchicine are typically used to treat gout, but there are some lifestyle changes that may shorten the severity of an attack, such as:
- avoiding alcohol at least two days a week
- being healthy in terms of weight
- consuming two liters or more of water each day
- giving up smoking
- taking supplements like NutriGout or vitamin C
- exercising consistently (be careful not to put excess pressure on joints)
Managing your Gout Symptoms
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), an anti-inflammatory medication, should be taken as soon as a flare-up occurs. You can buy this medication over the counter. If you have a history of gout, make sure you are always taking anti-inflammatory medication. If you have an episode, you can take medication as soon as the symptoms appear.
Within three days, the anti-inflammatory medication should start working. Meanwhile, the following home remedies may be of assistance:
- Drink a lot of water.
- Rest the affected foot and elevate it.
- Avoid rubbing your bedclothes against the joint at night, as this may irritate it.
- Apply an ice pack to the joint for up to 20 minutes to keep it cool.
Consult your doctor if the episode has not subsided after three days. They may prescribe steroids in the form of tablets or injections.
Your doctor will probably want to perform a blood test to measure the level of uric acid if you experience flare-ups frequently. Allopurinol (Zyloprim, Lopurin) or febuxostat (Uloric), which may gradually lower these levels if you have a high uric acid level, may be prescribed.
Is Gout a Chronic Disease?
Gout is an example of inflammatory arthritis. Flare-ups, or times when symptoms first appear or get worse, are a feature of the condition. Gout has no known cure, and if left untreated, it may worsen over time.
Treatments are aimed at reducing the severity of symptoms during a flare-up and preventing future flare-ups. Typically, doctors strive to reduce the amount of uric acid in the blood, which contributes to gout symptoms.
Length of Flare-Ups Following Treatment
A gout flare-up typically peaks within 12-24 hours of the initial onset, according to the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center. This period, however, will vary depending on the person’s response to treatment and overall health.
Within a few days of the flare-up, treatment should cause the symptoms to return to normal.
Duration of Flare-Ups in the Absence of Treatment
Without treatment, flare-ups typically last 7-14 days because treatment shortens their duration.
Treatment may also help to lessen the severity of symptoms. A 2014 review of colchicine discovered that those who used it were 25% more likely to report a 50% reduction in pain during a flare-up than those who received a placebo. Colchicine, on the other hand, may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Don’t Let Your Gout Symptoms Grow Worse
One of my readers has chronic gout stage 3 and his normal uric acid levels are usually between 3 mg/dl to 6 mg/dl. During a gout attack, his uric acid jumps anywhere from 11 mg/dl to 18 mg/dl!
You don’t want to end up like him because he can no longer walk and is stuck in a wheelchair due to all the joint inflammation. If you suffer from frequent gout attacks you must do something about it, don’t think that it might not come back, chances are it will.
Since gout is a progressive disease and if you don’t control your uric acid levels to below 5 mg/dl then you may expect more gout attacks.
If you take allopurinol, febuxostat, or another uric acid-lowering prescription drug and experience gout attacks, consult your doctor and reevaluate your uric acid-lowering therapy.
Remember that gout pain may occur when uric acid crystallizes and when it dissolves. So if you just got your first gout attack and your doctor prescribes you allopurinol, he’ll most likely also prescribe you colchicine to prevent another gout attack, for the first two weeks to avoid triggering gout flares as the uric acid crystals begin to dissolve.
Keeping uric acid levels in the safe range of under 5 mg/dl should keep gout away. Why not follow my diet plan and lifestyle change in my ebook and take the minimum allopurinol dose possible to treat your gout?
Gout and Diet
Uric acid is formed when the body breaks down a substance known as purines. Urine is then used to flush the substance from the body. Although it occurs naturally in our bodies, many foods also contain purine. A low-purine gout diet may help reduce the frequency of gout flare-ups.
Most diets are applicable to a gout diet. You are advised to follow a balanced, healthy diet. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential because being overweight increases the likelihood of gout flare-ups.
Being overweight also intensifies flare-ups and makes them more difficult to manage. Weight loss, even without limiting purine intake, has been shown in studies to lower uric acid levels.
If you have a history of gout, the following foods may help you control your uric acid levels and lower your risk of flare-ups:
- water
- coffee
- cherries
- any food that contains a lot of vitamin C
- dairy products with low or no fat
- whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are sources of complex carbohydrates
These foods should also be restricted or avoided:
- red meats, as well as fatty poultry
- dairy products that are full-fat
- white bread
- sugary snacks and drinks
- liver and kidneys
- alcohol
- Particular seafood such as tuna, lobster, shrimp, mackerel, anchovies, herring, sardines, mussels, and scallops
Effective Gout Medications
Medication to relieve pain and cut the length of the flare is part of the treatment for gout attacks.
Colchicine
Colcrys (colchicine) is one of the most commonly used medications to treat acute gout flares and prevent future flares. It is especially important for those who are unable to take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or standard over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication.
A healthcare provider prescribes colchicine. A number of factors, including your allergy history and kidney and liver function, will influence the dosage. Colchicine may cause a rapid and complete resolution of your symptoms if used promptly and in accordance with your doctor’s instructions.
Nonsteroidal Anti‐Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs like Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen) are readily available because they may be bought over the counter. As a result, they are the most common treatment for acute gout flares. Indocin (indomethacin) is an NSAID used to treat gout.
Before beginning OTC NSAIDs, consult with your healthcare provider to determine if they are appropriate for you, the proper dosages, and potential side effects. You should discontinue these medications once your symptoms have subsided.
Corticosteroids
For gout flares, oral glucocorticoids such as prednisone and prednisolone may be prescribed. They work just as well as NSAIDs and colchicine. Treatment often requires taking a pill by mouth once or twice per day.
Notably, NSAIDs and colchicine may be better options if you have frequent gout flares to limit steroid-associated toxicity, which may include elevated blood sugar and blood pressure, increased appetite and weight gain, mood changes/anxiety, insomnia, and decreased bone mineral density.
To relieve inflammation and pain, corticosteroids may also be injected directly into the affected joint.
Kineret
Kineret (anakinra) is an IL-1 receptor antagonist that inhibits chemical messengers to prevent inflammation. It is typically used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. It has been demonstrated to be just as effective as standard first-line gout medications (colchicine, NSAIDs, and glucocorticosteroids).
A 100- or 200-milligram injection, given by your doctor once daily for five days, has been shown in studies to significantly lessen the severity of your gout symptoms, making it a viable option for the treatment of acute gout flares.
Most side effects are mild and go away on their own. Possible negative effects include:
- Redness or bruising at the injection site
- Increased risk of infection
- Headache
- Fever or chills
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Joint pain
Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not given the drug approval to treat gout in the United States, anakinra is used to treat gout in Europe. If conventional medications don’t work, your healthcare provider may have you use Kineret off-label.
Allopurinol
Allopurinol is used to treat and prevent gout in the long term. When taken on a regular basis, it may help prevent gout attacks and joint damage.
Allopurinol reduces the amount of urate in your blood. As a result, it is sometimes referred to as urate-lowering therapy (ULT). When your urate level is low enough, new crystals stop forming and existing crystals dissolve slowly.
All of the crystals may dissolve after a few years. If this occurs, the crystals will no longer cause joint damage or gout attacks as long as you are taking allopurinol.Because it may take a long time to dissolve the crystals, you may experience more gout attacks while this is taking place. This is more likely if your urate levels are already elevated or if you’ve had gout for a long time.
If this occurs in your case, it does not imply that the allopurinol is not working.
Who Can Take Allopurinol?
Allopurinol is frequently recommended as the first-line treatment for gout. It may prevent future attacks and joint damage if prescribed by your doctor as soon as you are diagnosed.
Allopurinol is usually prescribed if blood tests show that your urate level is high enough for urate crystals to form, especially if one or more of the following conditions apply:
- Urate crystals may be seen on your skin. These are tophi, which are firm white lumps
- You have gout attacks on a regular basis
- Gout has caused joint damage in you
If you meet the following criteria, you may be denied allopurinol or given a lower dose:
- have ever experienced an allopurinol allergic reaction
- possess thyroid issues
- are presently experiencing a gout attack
- have issues with your kidneys or liver
How is Allopurinol Taken?
One tablet of allopurinol is taken each day. It is usually best to take it right after eating, and the tablet needs to be dissolved in water and then ingested. The more water you consume throughout the day, the more urate your kidneys may remove from your body.
Your allopurinol dosage may change over time depending on how much urate is present in your body. Your doctor will perform blood tests every two to four weeks to check your urate levels until they are confident that the dose you are taking is sufficient to lower the level of urate in your body. If you have kidney or liver problems, you may need to stay on a lower dose.
To avoid further gout attacks, your doctor may advise you to wait until after an attack has passed before starting allopurinol. If this is not possible, it may begin when your inflammation is not severe.
Allopurinol does not alleviate the acute pain associated with gout attacks. It is, however, a long-term treatment to eliminate the urate crystals that cause gout attacks.
To control your urate levels, you will most likely need to take allopurinol for the rest of your life. You should continue taking allopurinol even if you have:
- You are having more gout attacks, or it initially does not seem to help the pain and inflammation.
- You no longer have gout attacks – discontinuing treatment may cause urate crystals to form again, resulting in more gout attacks.
Lifestyle Changes Are Key to Reducing Gout Symptoms
Maintaining healthy uric acid levels is always preferable to taking prescription drugs. The truth is that if you do not control your uric acid levels, you will eventually be in permanent pain. That’s because those nasty crystals will chip away at the bone and cause permanent joint damage. Believe me, you don’t want to go there!
In conclusion, a gout attack may last anywhere from a day to several weeks depending on what stage you are in, diet, lifestyle, and treatments all come into play. To learn more about how to stop a gout attack, make sure to read this post.
About Lifestyle Changes
Dietary changes, for example, may help support healthy uric acid levels, the chemical that deposits in joints and causes gout. However, for the majority of people, dietary changes alone are insufficient to prevent gout.
Medication is usually required to reduce uric acid levels sufficiently to stop attacks. Still, changing your diet may help you have fewer gout flare-ups.
In the past, medical professionals would frequently give their patients a list of foods high in purines and advise them not to eat those foods. That hasn’t been demonstrated to be particularly useful by itself.
More recently, experts have begun to reconsider diet. Instead of attempting to determine which specific foods to avoid, the emphasis is on maintaining a healthy diet and attempting to lose weight if you are overweight or obese.
Simply losing weight may reduce uric acid levels. It is also beneficial to drink plenty of fluids. However, avoid sugary drinks and alcohol, which may raise uric acid levels.
Quick Lifestyle Habit Changes To Make Now
The lifestyle suggestions below may help you avoid a gout attack. As a bonus, they may also help prevent some complications of gout such as kidney disease and heart disease.
- Drink in moderation and avoid purine-rich foods: Gout patients should avoid purine-rich foods such as fatty meats and shellfish. Limit your alcohol consumption, especially beer, because it may raise your uric acid levels.The good news is that certain foods, such as cherries, coffee, and vitamin C-rich foods, may help prevent gout attacks.You should also drink plenty of water as part of any healthy diet. This is especially important if you have gout because staying hydrated may help flush out uric acid and prevent the formation of uric acid crystals.
- Reduce the amount of stress in your life: Stress may cause a gout attack or worsen the symptoms of an existing gout attack. While it is impossible to eliminate all of your stress, there are a few things you may do to help reduce it. When you have a gout attack, reducing your stress may help you focus on something other than the pain.
- Exercise on a regular basis: Physical activity is an important part of living a healthy lifestyle, and it may help prevent future gout attacks. One of the many advantages of exercising with gout is that it helps you lose weight (if you need to). Being overweight or obese increases your risk of gout, but if you already have gout, maintaining a healthy weight may help you avoid a gout attack. Exercise may also help you manage stress more effectively.
- Get plenty of rest and sleep: When you have gout, you need to get plenty of rest and sleep. Getting enough sleep—aim for about 8 hours every night—may help you manage stress and feel better overall. Getting enough rest may also help when you have a gout attack. A gout attack can be excruciatingly painful, and you may find it difficult to move. During a gout attack, resting the affected joint might help you manage your symptoms.
- Consider using herbal and dietary supplements: Some herbal and dietary supplements may help with gout. Turmeric, which may be used to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions other than gout, may aid in inflammation reduction. Bromelain, which is found in pineapple stems, may also help with gout.The efficacy of these supplements for gout needs to be studied further. Herbal supplements may interact with other medications you are taking, so if you’re interested in trying them, talk to your doctor before taking them.
Conclusion
Gout flare-ups may be managed in terms of pain intensity by adopting a healthy lifestyle, which may also help to prevent future flare-ups.
If you do experience a flare-up, rest and ice the affected joint while taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication as soon as your symptoms appear. If symptoms do not go away after three days of treatment or if you are experiencing these symptoms for the first time, consult your doctor.
Anyone experiencing their first bout of gout symptoms should consult a doctor. The doctor may advise the patient on the best course of treatment, which may include dietary changes and home remedies.
If the recommended treatments are causing side effects or are not working, it is worthwhile to consult a doctor. In such cases, doctors may modify the treatment plan.
113 replies to "How Long Does a Gout Attack Last?"
Before 4 month my hand wrist and ankle got swollen then I started medicine . Initially my uric acid level was 8.4 which was reduced to 6.7.
My ankle swelling was gone and hand swelling 90% removed.But last 15 days my hand and ankle again swelled. I checked blood … UA found 6.8
My UA is low still my ankle hand and face has swelling…why so??
I found that adding Celery to my diet has greatly reduced my uric acid levels. I also take other supplements but definitely Celery has had the biggest impact on controlling my gout.
Hi.. I have been going through a gout attack since 3 weeks.. I’m not sure how to get out of this gout problem. For past one month , I’m on gout diet and still not helping me get away from the pain I’m going through. I saw a rheumatologist 2 days back and she changed my medication now instead of allopurinol she prescribed Uloric now along with an anti inflammatory medicine. Fingers crossed and hoping to get away with this gout forever.
Had acute attack lasted about 6 days but now I have a knot on the side of my toe that doesn’t seem to be going away. It feels soft and the skin is stretched out and pink. It’s like a small ball. Pain is very minimal. What is going on??
Darn!
Could it be tophi? I am not sure.
Definitely check it out to make sure. Could be a wart too not related to gout.
Hi, I just want to know whether a gout attack can stay for 6 months and still not show any signs of improving with medication? My dad(65) is suffering from Hyperuricemia for about 5 years now. 6 months ago he had 11.2 uric level now its 5. Yet his whole right feet is swelled. Swelling subsides when he is resting but swell back when standing.
Ouch! That’s rough. I wish him well.
Honestly, it’s best he visits a rheumatologist to get that checked cause I don’t know enough about his personal health situation to provide any meaningful recommendation. Can it be a complication like arthritis or something else? Perhaps. Got get it checked!
Hi Spiro
So glad your site exists.
My first gout experience seems 95% better. It was extreme (in my left ankle) and I had gone in to A+E not knowing what it was. They said gout and raised uric acid and gave me crutches, but when I asked the A+E doctor if I should still try to walk on it and exercise if I can bear the pain he said yes. (Maybe a misunderstanding). Throughout the first few days as it felt better I limped on the tip toes of my left foot. The recovery went backwards and I went to see the GP who said it MUST be rested. 3 weeks later I can walk on a flat foot and I have been fairly strict with my diet, hydration and rest. However there is still pain with certain movements so I’m wondering if there is joint damage?
Many thanks in advance.
Hi Ed!
You will never know until you do an X-Ray. Ask your doctor if he/she can do one. There was once I thought the exact same thing and asked my rheumatologist to go do an X-ray and there was no joint damage. It just feels that way sometimes.
So I have a little dilemma going on. I have never had any experience with arthiritis or gout previously. Came back from 4 weeks in Japan (hot & humid) at the end of july. I was walking a lot there but made sure was drinking lot of water. Ate lot of fish those 4 weeks.
August 2nd I notice my 2nd toe on left foot is swollen but not really painful. 2 days go by and swelling and pain increase but still pain is not unbearable unless pressed on a cyst like thing on the joint. I go to podiatirist and he said to take indomethacin and colchichine for 5 days and should start feeling better. I didn’t take those meds as I was able to control my pain with Ibuprofen. A week goes by swelling is not getting better but pain was under control. I went to a rheumotologist who told me to take ibuprofen and colchichine. I took colchichine for 15 days still 2nd toe was swollen though hardly any pain. Since it was showing slight improvement I stopped taking colchichine.
A week later started feeling symptoms on my big toe. Little pain then no pain then following day excruciating pain if I tried to walk but bearable, if I was laying down. Rheumotologist didn’t think it was gout as it won’t fluctuate that much and pain reaches peak generally in 12-24 hours not in 3-4 days that it took me. And then next day pain went away and bit of swelling that I had in big toe started getting better.
All this while my 2nd toe where it initially started never got back to its original state (inflamation was still at 50%). 6 weeks later and yesterday little pain started in this toe again and inflamation has gone back up.
I have been on your cherry supplements, I have been taking celery seed extracts but not really helping.
I was big on alcohol in my 20s but last 10 years – maybe a glass of wine every few weeks. Not really a beer drinker. I have been eating very healthy and gout friendly diet these last 6 weeks. I am 37 and my grandfather did have gout.
Can 1st attack last like this? Or could it be something else? No infection and no broken bone in x-ray. It did have a small bone spur. Uric acid at 1st appointment was 7.5 and then at 2nd appointment was 6.9.
Sorry for this long post.
Hi Varun!
Thank you for telling us your story. You do have high uric acid and it’s starting to manifest as gout. Although alcohol is not the only culprit, bad dieting is a factor as well or simply it can be genetic. I don’t think it’s anything else, but if I were you get the opinions of 2 rheumatologists and take it from there.
Good luck!
My attack started 4 days ago and now has slowly moved to my foot and knee. I have been drinking large amounts of water. Can I expect it to last much longer?
You can’t predict these things, everybody’s uric acid and gout is different. It really depends. If it has moved to the foot and knee, you need to go see your doctor ASAP. They’re going to need to drain the knee and provide you with anti-inflammatories immediately! I’ve been there, that is rough.
Good luck!
I wonder if anyone has experienced this scenario. My first gout attack 2 months ago was pretty severe. It was in one of my knuckles that spread to the rest of my hand. I was prescribed the usual drugs, eg, colchicine, along with a blood test that confirmed I had high uric acid.
One of the positive things about experiencing this once is that you learn how to deal with flare ups. For the past several days I’ve been coping with moderate gout in my toe, so I’ve been popping 3 cherry pills a day. I can actually feel the uric acid dropping, a prickly, tingly sensation.
Yet at the same time this is happening, my knuckle is beginning to get slightly swollen and tender (the same knuckle) which is raising a red flag…two gout flare ups in a week? What the hell is going on? It’s almost as if my body craves the uric acid and won’t let go. Any feedback would be appreciated.
Very hard to tell Edward. Only option is to have it checked out with a rheumatologist if I were you. The flare-ups might not be gout related.
Hello my uric acid was 6mg and I had gotten it down to 2.9mg. And I’m still having alot of foot pain in both feet and swelling in ankle so I really don’t understand this. I really don’t believe that it’s Gout cause it’s painful every day. There are times that I cannot walk or stand on my feet.
Hi
My name is Jose Joseph and I am working in Software Department Dubai, I have been suffering gout for 3 years and still taking medicine (allopurinol or febuxostat) and now I am suffering from big toe inflammation for 1 month and still taking NSAIDS, whenever I stop NSAIDS pain again come back. I had faced multiple times inflammation on left ankle but this time its affected on Big toe and pain and swelling not going away. I have consulted lot of doctors and they are advising to continue medicines (NSAIDS and allopurinol or febuxostat)
Friends, have you any idea how to get rid of inflammation?
Hi Guys,
I am Karan, a software engineer from India working an 8 hours job… you can read my comments 5-6 months back when my Gout started…
I just want to share my 6 months experience with all you guys…
I switched to Feburic 40 mg tablet (Febuxostat (40mg)) from allopurinol… I found Febuxostat is better than Allopurinol though it is a little costlier but it gives best results.. I am thankful to my Dr.
I take every night before going into sleep as dr. said make same time habit as per your convenience but it should be same for whole month..
Let me start how my Gout started.. I was doing Cardio exercises more like running on treadmill, cycling, cross machine trainer..
Please read on internet DON’T DO TOO MUCH CARDIO EXERCISES TO LOSE WEIGHT… YOU WILL LOSE WEIGHT BUT YOU WILL COME UP WITH WRECKED METABOLISM… HURT YOUR METABOLISM.. Resulting gout and liver and kidney diseases.. Like I come up with…
Guys I was asking myself, I am just 30 and why my liver is not responding properly. It’s just because we change our lifestyle.
Another is with Febuxostat I can eat high purine foods like Indian Lentils, milk products like cheese and can consume some sugary items… which was earlier hurting me with Allopurinol.. but not with Febuxostat…
But I will never drink alcohol that is for sure…
I will make my liver healthy again to at least eat the food I love…
Also don’t forget to drink plenty of water.. Actually with Febuxostat I am going for more low cycles automatic and soon I drink water again…
Happy Healthier life…
Thanks for the update Karan!
My question is, my Dr. says I have Rheumatoid and Neuropathy. But when older people see me limping they ask me what’s wrong. I explain to them my symptoms and they say I have gout. My question is how can I tell a gout flare up from a rheumatoid flare up?
oh boy! That is a hard one. Only a doctor can give you a clear answer. Consider finding a rheumatologist who specialize in rheumatic diseases like arthritis and gout.
Hi, 5 days ago my left knees got inflammed and consult a doctor. She prescribed colchicine and Celecoxib because she suspects it’s arthritis. The pain and inflammation now subside but something on my knees is feeling hot when I walk. My question is, can I still check if my uric acid is high after days of attack and after taking some medication? Because my doctor doesn’t ask for that during my consultation.
You can check by doing a blood test. You can try using uric acid meters but they are not as precise.
Hi, I think I have had a gout attack my foot is huge and I can’t put any pressure on it. I went to see the doctor 3 days after the pain started. He gave me a blood test and my uric acid levels are only 2.8 but my foot is still in pain. He said my uric acid levels are normal but could still be gout??? My question is if it is a gout attack shouldn’t my uric acid levels be high as it’s still swollen and painful?
Hi Jack!
Yes it can be something else. Maybe get checked by a podiatrist as well.
Good luck!
Hi Spiro!
I had a severe gout attack on 29 March, initially I was managing pain with voveron and I could move around the house limping after ten days. I was recovering and started taking febuxostat since last one week but suddenly since last night once again pain and swelling increased like initial days. Does this kind of reoccurrence happen?
Yes it’s common Navin as the medication gets rid of the uric acid crystals, you may experience some more pain and inflammation. Check it with your doctor.
My orthopedic surgeon made me stop taking feboxustat as it can worsen gout, according to him, feboxustat is not a good option if you are already experiencing gout, it was meant to prevent gout but not treat gout.
Hi, I have a gout problem in my left foot since March 18 due to heavy medication due to my lupus. The doctor has reduced my lupus medicine and I am using Colchicine and Go-uric tablets. The pain is reduced to only 5% but I still have the gout inflammation in my left foot. What is the reason behind this and how long would it take for me to recover?
Thanks a lot….
Ten days ago my uric acid level was 9.92mg/dl and I was not able to sleep all night because of pain in my toes. I took febuxostat 80mg tablet now after 10 days my uric acid level is 4.4mg/dl but my toes pain exist as it was before 10 days what is cause.
Probably still inflamed as crystals melt, it should take a few more days until you are symptom free.
I have gout issue right now I don’t have any pain in joints, it as been 4 days but swelling
has come down from knee to foot is it ok?
Yes Ravi, it’s very normal for gout to move around from foot to knee and vice versa. Go visit your doctor to treat it as soon as possible.
Good luck!
Hi Spiro,
Thanks for a great blog with loads of useful info – I’ve learned a lot more about this dreadful condition. I’d be really interested to hear your thoughts on why a strike can occur so suddenly despite a low SUA.
I’ve been using 200mg Allopurinol daily for nearly a year to keep my SUA around 4.5 and it’s pretty stable. BUT! Just now and then after a bit of a bender I’ll have a flare which I have to control with a short course of Colchicine.
My question is if my SUA is below saturation point for the crystals how can they possibly form to cause the flare ? During flare, SUA still about 4-5 ?
It could be dietary. Did you drink alcohol lately? Crystals can take a very long time to fully dissolve once on medication, more then a year usually. Kidney function may have dropped a little, that could be another reason. Best to visit your doctor and see why, in order to get your answers. Remember to do an annual checkup and do at least one blood test a year to monitor your progress.
Had my first attack in over 5 years after taking medication for sinus issues that caused dehydration. Taking advil and lots of water and has improved some but not fully in 3 days. Is Uricel OTC a good medication to help short and long term?
Ive been suffering gout attacks for 5 years. Can go months drinking beer and other alcohol, seafood, meats etc without problem. Finally figures out that for me gout attack is triggered by dehydration – overtime. Drink clean water every day, and lots of it. Also if you start feeling an attack coming on, immediately start taking action and do not use the joint!!! Inflammation will increase walking on a bad foot or knee. The attack will get much worse.
Hi I have had the worst attack ever, been for a blood test and came back ok. I had a attack in both my wrists, so at this moment in time, I cannot feel my wrists 100%.
I have maybe 50% at most,
Can you help me ?
Hi Paul!
That is something I can’t help you with, you need to go visit your doctor as soon as possible. It could be dangerous.
I am software engineer… I was going gym since 2 months, last week I had pain started on my left toe.. 1st I thought I had this due to more pressure I had while I was running on treadmill and jumping on stepper. But It was due to I boozed beer and eaten eggs and other high purines foods with beer.
I also had doubt about gout because my mom had 2 attacks last year… and when my left side toe got swollen I visited orthopedic dr he said you are having gout.
He prescribed me allopurinol as suggested every where. Next day Pain was released. I am on medication for 5 days to take 2 tabs a day.
On second day I eat lots of Dairy products, Pain started again… So I tried with water lots of water 3500 ml per day.. Pain gets reduced magically.
So I stopped Tea, milk , Indian Lentils (Daal, Rajma, Chole, Moong),
And taken low purine foods like Oranges, Grapes, Papaya, Green Tea, Cabbage, Cucumber, Carots and most important Lots of water. Pain got reduced again.
Again on 4th day I had full milk tea cup in the morning, Moong Daal (Lentils) in the dinner and small cup of turmeric milk. In the morning pain gets . started again 🙁 🙁
So next morning again I started drinking lots of water and till noon pain gets reduced…
So my question is when can I eat all those food again. I know my liver is not able to control uric acid properly. Like my mom can drink tea and eat lentils now and she is no more having gout attacks.
I want to make my liver healthy again. and why I have pain at alternate day or like eating style.
I know I have to drink lots of water and I will… But when can I eat other things. and today is last day of my medication…
Hi Karan!
You need to do a blood test and see what your uric acid number is so doctor can properly prescribe you the proper medication. Taking medication for 5 days only doesn’t sound right. As for diet you need to eat mostly complex carbohydrates like fresh vegetables, legumes, beans for protein instead of meat, whole grain breads, whole grain pastas and whole grain rices. Nothing processed and no white flour. Avoid sugary foods, sugary beverages and no alcohol.
Hi Spiro,
Yes I already had scheduled appointment with Dr. He asked to continue tablets for more 20 days and to have a good diet. I would like to tell you guys I am feeling better now… Drinking lots of water.
Good stuff Karan!
Hi Sipro and Guys,
I have completed 20 days medication… Now I am without medication, and I tell you I am at my normal result… no pain, low uric acid level..
Also I found in my case Booze was culprit… either Beer or Vodka.. So from now onwards I quit drinking… because second time I found it starts after 2-3 days after alcohol consumption….
Even Eggs were safe to eat in my case….
Guys either don’t drink or don’t take more than 2 pegs of any alcohol. Some websites says Vodka is not bad for Gout… but all alcohol black or white colored are not good for your liver. I am not daily boozer… I was boozing occasionally like in a month or some times 3-4 months…. but still I lead with Gout.
Also if you want to booze…. try to drink lots of water to make your liver healthy so that excess Uric Acid gets rid off from body through urine because your liver was not able to metabolize.
Guys this is the final result proving that alcohol makes effect on you liver… because uric acid is waste product not metabolized by your liver… So please stop drinking…
Happy life to all….
My last attack was a year ago in October but this October it started again and it still going on it’s moved from one foot to the other first in my right foot and then in my left foot. Never both feet at once.
It’s been really painful and I can’t hardly walk for this time. My uric acid level is 8.8. I’ve been prescribed allopurinol but I haven’t taken it yet because I’m waiting for the attack to stop.
I also wonder if it really is gout or could it be something else. Mine never seems to affect the toe joints, it’s always the top of the foot swells becomes puffy and it’s the swollen top of the foot that hurts as I walk.
My doctor and a rheumatologist say it’s gout based on my uric acid level but I wonder if it could be something else since it doesn’t seem to fit the normal pattern for gout attacks that I’ve read about.
I’d love to hear any feedback.
I wonder the same thing. I’ve been laid up for 6 weeks now. I have it in the knee and both feet and elbow. Doc put me on allopurinol 4 weeks ago and told me to start taking it even though I was in the middle of an attack. I’ve never had the classic big toe gout. It’s been outside or middle of foot and ankles and knees.
9 weeks now and feet doing a lot better but knee is still swollen and very painful. I actually believe meloxicam triggered this attack. Was prescribed it for fractured elbow. Took it two doses and then bam!
[…] stress will result in a high spike in uric acid – and that’s the last thing you want. Because gout attacks can be especially painful and leave you on bed for […]
Dear
I am having a gout since two months. Now I have to go out of town where it will be much colder than here ,, Suggest me what to do?
Hi Zain!
Wear warm clothing and thick socks so the cold doesn’t affect your joints.
Hi there!
I have had gout many times in the past so I changed my lifestyle completely. No smoking or drinking alcohol, zero red meats, cut down on purine heavy items, drink lots of water and I am happy to say that for the past 7 years I have not had a problem. Till now…
For the past few months I have been on tour and have not been able to control my diet or even drink water properly. Usually my gout attacks take 3 days. But this time round, the right ankle took 4 days and the left ankle is still swollen and painful running 7 days now.
So, I can say from personal experience that it can take any time, from 3 days to over a week to heal.
My personal advice is to drink water like a fish! It worked for me for the last 7 years. Just saying…
Hello sir, my age is 20 my gout attack unexpected to starting last 6 month my doctor provide some medicine but my pain not less plz some tips for me, and which doctor to show this attack.
Hi Patel!
Seek a rheumatologist to check you out, all the tips you need are in this website and in my book!
Good luck!
I just had my first episode of Gout, it started with a slight ache in my foot in the morning, by the evening I could no longer walk and was in so much pain, in fact it was the worst pain I have ever felt.
Following day was still in loads of pain and took a trip to my doctor who confirmed it looked like gout (2 years ago I had a higher than normal Uric acid level, but not action was taken back then). 2 days later and it’s pretty much gone with only a slight ache and a little bit of pain and can walk normally again. I don’t drink, don’t smoke, exercise regularly and eat a well balanced diet. Hope I never have another attack, told I need to wait 4 weeks for a blood test.
So, it seemed it hadn’t cleared up after 2 days, it settled down a bit, but then returned albeit not as painful as before. I guess I was expecting too much for it to go away so soon 🙁
I am 59 and have just had my first bout of gout. I hope it is my last. It has lasted two weeks. The strange thing is I do not know of any relative (or mom or dad) ever having it. I am pretty careful about what I eat and exercise for one intense hour three times a week. I have been drinking tart cherry juice and stopped drinking tea. I do not drink alcohol but do drink coffee which I have cut back on.
My question is about the length of time it has lasted. Today is two weeks. It is much, much better but still scared to work out due to some minor soreness still on the top of my foot. Is two weeks a long time for it to affect me or is that quite normal? I am sure it is different for everyone but I have never had health problems of any kind prior which is a true blessing. Please reply whether two weeks is too long. Should I be concerned that it has not gone away by now? Thanks in advance for your reply. Duke Garraway
Hi Duke!
Yes a gout attack can lost anywhere from a few days up to a month without any treatment, natural or medical. 2 weeks I would say is average. You should visit your doctor so you can do blood tests and see what your uric acid number is and take it from there.
Its been 9 weeks for me and still not all the way gone.
Ok I am a 31 year old and I think I have gout. I have had two small attacks in the past 4 months that healed up in 3 days and I think it’s due to drinking too much beer because on my birthday. 7th September, I got really stuck into the beer and that same day I got massive pain in the joint of my big toe just like the other two attacks but wayyy worse.
I am a carer and the person I care for likes too have a sense of authority so he buys all out food, the issue is the food is all shit and he mainly buys stuff like pies and quick dinners which is all high protein crap. I think the fact that the type of food I eat and the beer is causing this. I am going too the doctor tomorrow. I don’t want it spreading and I am going too take control of the food that is bought and quit drinking beer. I will probably just stick too a few (3 or 4) bourbon and colas instead. I am quite worried that this might be permanent.
yep it’s gout. I sure hope it’s curable 🙁
Hi!
I think I have gout this is the first time for me, my big toe is so painful and has been for about 8 weeks now, had my bloods done all normal but doctor says to go see her so she can look at it. It’s not swollen but it’s hot to touch. HELP
Hi Dawn!
All you can do in the meanwhile is soak your feet in warm water with some Epsom salt to relax the inflammation, maybe take some ibuprofen to remove the edge. You can also try my Therapeutic Gout Pain Relief Cream that sells on our site to help with he inflammation.
I’m 26 and was diagnosed with gout in both ankles 2 weeks ago. The pain was so intense, I had to call the fire department to carry me out of my houe to go to the doctor, then back into my house after I was done. I couldn’t walk. The gout has come back in one foot now overnight. I’m in a lot of pain. I have stage 4 kidney disease and cannot take any type of NSAID or Colchicine. I take allopurinol. My uric acid level is 11. My nephrology doctor said I will have to have a steroid shot and see a rheumatologist. But my appointment isn’t until November! I don’t know what to do. I am in a great deal of pain.
Hi Elizabeth!
Are you sure you can’t visit another doctor? I’d be calling all the rheumatologists in the city and try to find one that can see you ASAP! All you can do is watch what you eat, drink only water for now. Soak your feet in warm water with Epsom salt, try and pain relief cream, we sell a good one on our site and on Amazon but you can find one at your local pharmacy as well.
Good luck!
My sister has been diagnosed with gout for the first time. It started with pain and inflammation in her big toe 10 days ago. She went to the doctor and received treatment.
My question is this: Is it normal for gout to spread to other toes, fingers and wrists? Could neck pain be a symptom?
Hi Mary!
Yes gout can spread to other toes and even your other foot even in fingers and wrists but also make sure to check your sister for arthritis cause she may have both gout and rheumatoid arthritis.
As for neck pain, I don’t know for sure, best to visit your doctor and let them tell you.
I had my first gout attack on May28, 2017. Since then I have had 9 different attacks. The doctors always give me a steriod shot, then a steriod dose pack to take for the next 6 days. I am taking colchicine and 200 milligrams of allopurinol daily. I also have a stage 3 kidney problem, and I only eat chicken and vegetables.
My uric acid level was 7.5 when I had my first attack, and now it has dropped to 6.6, after taking allopurinol for about 2 months. My attacks are strange. First in the left foot on the side, then the next attack was the right foot on the side. Then the left big toe, then the right big toe, and it has kept going back from one foot to the other. Today is my 9th episode, and I had 3 good days between my last episode and today, and that has been the norm since May 28.
I have read that when you are taking the allopurinol it can take several months for the medication to reduce the uric acid crystals, and you can have gout attacks during that time. Headed back to the doctor today for another steriod shot, and I will be 75% better tomorrow. Over two months of these attacks. Have no idea why my uric acid levels are high, as I do not eat the meats, and I do not drink Beer, and very little wine.
Hi Ken!
Yes it can take up to a year of taking allopurinol to get rid of all the crystals in your body. Your uric acid is high you are still eating animal protein and drinking alcohol when you have stage 3 kidney problem like you say. Your kidneys are not working optimally so diet in this case will be less effective for you but still very important so you don’t continue to deteriorate even further. You have to visit your doctor and see if he/she can increase your dosage or put you on other medication.
Good luck!
This reply is specially for Ken. Your gout attack is the first I’ve read with similar symtoms to mine. My first attack was on the out side of my left foot,about 3 and a half years ago, then similar attacks about once a year all in the same place and lasting about two days. Then about a month I got a major attack in the left foot toe joint. It’s been about a month now and still swelled up though not too painful and I can still walk. I never had any of these attacks until I gave up smoking for vaping, so I stopped vaping to see if there is any improvement. Will let this forum know if this helps.
Anything with high fructose corn syrup can be very bad also. I’ve been having similar problems for 9 weeks. I’m on 300 mg allopurinol daily and last test showed 3.9. Down from 9.8 about 8 weeks ago. I guess crystals are still disolving.
What a great website. I’m 48, 190lbs (5′ 11″). I typically exercise twice a week. Never had a gout attack until now. I have been unusually busy with work so have not exercised past two months, we are having unusually hot weather for this area (Seattle – 90’s) and the two dinners I had leading up to the attack involved red wine, scallops, and game meat. LOL. I guess it was as if I was TRYING to get it.
Being new to this I’m quite concerned. The first day it hurt but I could walk by taking just 220mg Naproxen (Aleve) every 6-8 hours. Also started drinking Tart Cherry juice. The second day it subsided in the morning/afternoon then came back in the evening. The third day, same thing, subsided in the overnight into the morning but then came back with a VENGANCE in the late afternoon and inflammation was a lot worse and I couldn’t walk. OUCH! So I am on morning of day 4 and it subsided again but not as much.
– Been trying to stay hydrated drinking water and tart cherry juice
– I at fish dinner of day 1, and a very small amount of red meat dinner day 2. Lunch was chicken salad. Dinner day 3 was pizza and now I’m avoiding anything high in purine like the plague. It just hurts too bad.
– I made celery seed tea afternoon of Day 3 and have been drinking 1/2 cup every 3-4 hours an eating the leftover seeds.
– I upped my Aleve dosage after reading that my initial dosage was 1/3 what was recommended, so I boosted and took three 220mg over the course of 4 hours and back to one every 6-8 hours.
I currently don’t have health isurance so I’d like to fix this naturally but if I have another couple evenings like last night I’m going to have to give in and go see the doctor (in the morning when I can walk LOL)
What I’m of couse wondering is am I taking a big risk by not seeing the doctor even though I’m only 4 days in and this is my first attack ever or am okay trying to wait it out, using the natural remedies for a few more days if I can stand the pain.
I think what confused me is that I expected the symptoms to go down, not up, but after further reading it seems what I experienced the first day or two was the forming of the crystals and now I’m experiencing the dissolving and the dissolving for whatever reason is more painful causing more inflammation.
Sorry for the long post.
Hi Jazzy!
It’s your body and you have the right to do whatever you like but I would at least go visit your doctor and do a blood test just to see your uric acid number. If it’s high and uncontrollable you may need medication, if it’s borderline and your doctor advises otherwise then be open to working with him/her.
Hi Spiro,
Just came across your website about 3 1/2 weeks ago when I was diagnosed with a gout attack. I’m 36 never drank alcohol or smoked, but have definitely indulged in fast food and a heavy animal protein diet during my years. I weigh 243lbs but was nearly 289lbs in January of 2016.
In the past 4 years I recall having similar symptoms but to a more milder effect and just wrote it off as, “I my have stepped wrong or hurt my toe when I was playing basketball”.
This most recent one happened on June 20th, 2017 went to doctor and blood test done and found my UA @ 9.5mg. My father was also diagnosed with gout about 2 years ago but I figured it couldn’t be gout for me.
I just bought your ebook its been great information and my diet has changed the past couple of weeks. What are the top 5 basic steps you would recommend for beginning to address gout for somebody in this situation, just having been recently diagnosed?
I have both my podiatrist doctor and my primary care physician working together to help me address this, I was given Allopurinol to take but I’m coming up to my 1- month follow up as neither doctor wants me to take this medication long term.
I’ve realized that I can make changes to improve my lifestyle and health, it has been challenging these past 3 weeks but willing to do it.
Hi Ignacio!
Thank you for your comment!
9.5 is definitely a high number. Step 1 for you would be to lose the weight and go back to your ideal weight. This can only be done through following a good diet, change of lifestyle and exercise. So following a gout diet as outlined in my book where you eat 80% of your daily calories as complex carbohydrates like fresh vegetables, legumes, beans, whole grain breads, whole grain pastas, whole grain rices, nuts and some fruit. 10% of your daily calories should be meat as in lean chicken breast, lean beef, fish (no seafood), lean veal…Finally 10% of your daily calories should be fat as in milk, cheeses, yogurt, butter, eggs…No alcohol, no processed foods, no fried foods, no sugary beverages and limit sugar to max 25 grams a day.
Step 2 drink only water, tea and coffee.
Step 3 should be exercise, do whatever you enjoy the most, if that means playing more basketball, then play more of it. Point is to stay active.
Step 4 follow your doctor’s advice on medication, remember any experimentation is your responsibility and best if you tell your doctor about it and have you follow your progress with more frequent blood tests. You don’t want to be getting gout attacks.
Step 5 is having the discipline to stay the course with all these changes, it may be a shock to you and your body and you might fail from time to time but it’s very important that you think long term and remain on this plan if you want to have healthy uric acid levels and more importantly avoid gout complications down the road. Supplementation is also very important, since our liver and kidneys don’t function to full capacity, you want to take supplements that help cleanse those organs.
Spiro,
Thank you very much for responding, I have ordered the supplement here on your website. Also, I have thrown everything out of my fridge and starting with a fresh stock of natural foods vegetables, fruits and whole grains and items listed in your e-book.
Awesome website thank you for all your hard work in helping us gout sufferers battle this.
Dear Spiro.
I’m 60 years old female w COPD and I’ve been trying to stop losing weight. I thought I’d induced my gout by eating all the fatty foods gout sufferers shouldn’t eat.
Does this sound like gout symptoms?
1. On one day my left knee sharp, sharp pain while walking and felt sort of crickety
2.Few days later same thing in right knee.
3.Think I do have arthritis in both thumbs.
4.Three months ago I had a Kidney Stone.
5.My brother has had gout.
6. My toe doesn’t show any symptoms–neither toe cares much about what’s going on upstairs.
What do you think?
P.S. I do have an appointment to see a urologist (following Kidney stone) later this week. Any specific questions to ask?
Hi Tracy!
Unfortunately I am not a doctor and cannot diagnose you, it could be gout though but it will be confirmed when you visit your doctor. Nothing helps arthritis and gout with eating right and being at your ideal weight with some exercise. Question I’d ask is what is your urid acid level if you haven’t done any blood tests already to find out.
Good luck!
I am new to gout, and have been given Colchine for 3 weeks. Are you saying that one needs a ongoing/daily treatment to keep levels of uric acid down?
Hi Mary!
It depends on what your blood tests say. Your doctor will know best. If uric acid is over the healthy range your doctor may prescribe you allopurinol or Uloric to help keep uric acid in check.
Hi, I had my first attack just over two weeks ago. It was a very unpleasant experience and one I’m keen to avoid repeating. The main flare up lasted about 5 days and I was given colchicine on day 2. Things are way better but I still have soreness and sudden shooting pains from time to time. Is this normal or should I go back and see the doctor? My blood test showed urate at 5.7. This was ten days after the attack had subsided. Thanks ever so much for your articles, its been really helpful understanding what may be developing.
Hi Neil!
Yes keep at it, colchicine will get rid of all your pain and inflammation very shortly. It works fast anywhere from 2 to 10 days for most people.
Hi, I still have this kind of sickness called gout for more than 10 years now. I am still worrying about it and need assistance for how to get rid of it.
Most of the time when I get it I use used pain killers but don’t work.
So any other alternatives? Help on that please.
[…] Length of a Gout Attack […]
[…] Length of a gout attack […]
Hi Spiro, I have spent the better part of the day looking and studying your site, buying your book, and wishing I had a chop saw to cut my foot off–That pain would subside! I am now on my 6th gout attack in 2 years. I was diagnosed with IGAN and my Nephrologist said I would continue to get attacks. They are worried about prescribing Colchicine because of the damage to Kidneys, but I found a Doctor who would prescribe it. It worked wonders until this attack. It is going on day 9 and my foot is twice the size as normal and I literally would do anything to stop this pain. I am so open to suggestions and input and advice. As a former collegiate football player, I have never dealt with this type of pain and I am very worried about my future prospects if this is what it holds. Any wisdom or insight would be so much appreciated! I would gladly fly to wherever you are and am willing to do anything to stop this from continuing to happen to me and to others as well!!! Thanks for your time. Doug
Sounds rough Doug.
All I can tell you is follow the dietary and lifestyle steps that I have outlined in the book and website. You must follow a disciplined gout diet and you know what that entails. It’s hard but you must stick to it. Problem is if kidneys are badly damaged there isn’t much you can do unless it comes from your doctor in the way of some type of drug that will allow to keep your uric acid levels in check.
Hang in there!
I’m in so much pain and it took me like 3-5 min to walk 30′ to the bathroom. My ankle both inside and out plus my Achilles hurts like hell, I can’t barely walk and I’ve got tons more health problems like I have only half my colon left cause I have diverticulitis, and no gal bladder. I can’t even sleep cause of this pain. I have tried elevation but it hurts even more then when I go to move my foot I wanna scream in pain. The ibuprofen is not helping either. I don’t know what to do
Hi Tania!
I am really sorry to hear that. Have you seeked medical advice? You need to see a doctor, also make sure to see a podiatrist, just to get some different opinions.
is it possible to take allopurinol during a gout gout attack as I have missed taking mine due to losing them and having to wait for a new prescription
Hi Paul!
You need to speak to your doctor ASAP but generally it is not advised to take allopurinol while on a gout attack, only after it subsides to manage uric acid levels.
I’m male ,an Indian,39 years,suffering gout from 4 years,now it became chronic,im using Febuxostat 80mg per day,I become vegetarian,but still I’m suffering a lot,now uric acid crystals formed on my both feet and toes, my doctor has been advised me to take steroid injections on toe,is it suggestible? How can we remove already formed uric acid crystals??
Hi Raju!
I presume you are also not drinking alcohol, sugary beverages and eating vegetarian does not mean that you are eating healthy. If you are eating lots of fried vegetarian food and lots of sugar in your diet, it could be the cause of your gout as well. I am not a doctor so I can’t recommend any procedure for you. Maybe seek a second opinion just to make sure.
Wear socks all the time even in the house (with indoor shoes). Keep you foot always warm so wear it even when sleeping. Since I started I noticed no more gout attacks. Other than drugs only temperature will keep gout away. Your foot is the coldest part as its the furthermost point from your heart. Uric acid only crystallizes below a certain temperature.
I use to take Sulindac but have found lately it is more of a case of consuming too much sugar. Sulindac acts very quickly FYI
I have had gout attacks in the past but this time it has lasted 6 plus weeks. They started years ago, but last year I suffered an infection which has triggered the worst attacks ever. I was told by my doctor to reduce water intake as my kidneys are not the best. Years of kidney stones has taken their toll. I had parathyroid disease. With that said my question to you is, should I drink more water? Or not?
I am trying to find a gout specialist in my area. I would also like to know if the dash diet is the right way to go. I don’t eat a lot of red meat but I do like my fish. I have not had a drink since 1985 so I am uncertain as to what always triggers me. Thanks!
Hi Richard!
Unfortunately I do not know enough about your health and health metrics to provide you with any advice. If someone suffers from kidney disease a doctor may recommend less fluid intake since it may cause swelling and increase blood pressure, which makes the heart work harder. As well too much fluid can also build up in the lungs making it difficult to breathe properly. Best you take your doctor’s advice and as for the dash diet, again speak with your doctor, your health situation may be unique to you.
You should also be checking your kidney GFR because this could be an underlying root cause of gout.
I am suffering from gout, uric acid level is 8.13, trying to fix it with diet , I also do running but it is very painful as my toe hurts.
Hi, Iam 56 year old Asian male, had my first gout attack in the 30s, so am pretty familiar with the behavior. Unfortunately, this gout attack has been on and off for about 4 weeks now. It got better and reverse course like a volley between good and evil. Gonna try to juice up pineapple stems today. If it works, you will see me back here tomorrow, thanks
I am undergoing my first gout attack.
It has been 36 hours since i first felt pain in my toe. My uric acid level is 8.2.trying to take as much water as possible.( at least 20 glasses in 24 hrs. Taking ponstan and nuberol for pain. Worried to start normal life as this is immensly painful.
Hi there,
32 year old male. Think I have suffered from gout for a few years. First I thought it was clutch foot from bad driving position. Then I thought it was my foot ware. Checked bloods came back normal.
Attacks as I now know them, last for 2-4 days.
This last one is in my right ankle and we are on day 6. Starting to get me down. Still able to walk, ish, and not sure if this is making it worse.
Started my new diet, no red meats, no alcohol, no processed foods. More veg etc. Nettle tea, coffee, lots and lots of water.
Not really got a question or comment. Just needed to write things so it became real to me.
Don’t ever want a gout attack again. So not fun. And the worse is I miss time playing with my daughter.
Is not allopurinol the cause of heart attacks??? As I’m about to take these and am concerened.
Hi Mike!
No. Not really!
If anything evidence shows that it might be beneficial for your heart. Read this article here to learn more–> Can Allopurinol Reduce Heart Attack Risk?
My doctor diagnosed gout for my right toe and foot. My uric acid levels came back normal. After a week of taking meds, I’m still suffering. Please advise.
Hi Barbara!
Try and incorporate some of the natural home remedies as described here other than that seek your doctor’s advice.
March 2 2016 I broke a bone in my foot. May 24 2016 I was told I have gout and given colchicine to take daily. Now I experience burning tingling pain in both feet (top, bottom, sides) both ankles knees elbows fingertips, and back. I reviewed my blood work for the last 8-9 years. The uric acid levels were high 7.5 except for 8 one year, 9 one year and 6 one year. So I guess I had gout for years with no symptoms until I fell and broke a bone in my foot. Now I’m depressed, extremely embarrassed and scared to sleep without colchicine or naproxen at night for fear I will experience the pain discussed on this site and others. I wonder if I Should I have been prescribed allpurinol? Is my situation considered chronic? Do I have joint damage?
Hi Yoli!
This is not a question I can answer for you unfortunately. You have to your doctor assess this. If you have gout generally your doctor should put you on allopurinol to keep uric acid levels in check. Colchicine is usually prescribed to fight off the inflammation from a gout attack and then allopurinol is introduced usually for life. Talk to your doctor and maybe seek a 2nd opinion.
Hi I have suffered from gout for 10 years typically lasts 2-7 days this time its 24 days and although it has gotten better it is still very sore and I am still walking with a limp us it normal for this to be going on almost a month or could it be something else?
Hi Jim!
Anything is possible! Did you see your doctor yet? 24 days…I wouldn’t take any chances, go to your doctor and check it out!
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