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Flare care

Managing a gout flare

Prepared 2026-10-29 · Read as Markdown

If you have diagnosed gout and this feels like your usual flare, follow the treatment plan your clinician prescribed. If this is your first episode, the symptoms are different, or you feel unwell, arrange assessment rather than assuming it is gout. Infection can occur alongside gout. [S03] [S05] [S08]

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Home care during a gout flare

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Make a personal flare plan before you need it

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A supported lower leg and foot with a cold pack fully enclosed in folded cloth resting loosely near the ankle; a label points to the cloth barrier.
Wrapped cold-pack comfort · illustration

Treat inflammation with the plan made for you

Colchicine, an NSAID, or a corticosteroid are common first-line options. The choice depends on kidney function, other medicines, stomach and cardiovascular risks, and your preferences. Use the prescribed directions. Do not combine anti-inflammatory medicines or repeat colchicine courses without clear instructions. S02 S03 S10

Reduce pressure on the joint

Rest and protect the area. A wrapped cold pack may help; raising the limb can be comfortable. Keep blankets or tight footwear from pressing on a very tender joint. Avoid dehydration while respecting any fluid restriction. These measures support comfort alongside treatment. S03 S08

Keep long-term treatment and flare relief separate

An ordinary flare is usually not a reason to stop existing allopurinol. Flares can occur when urate-lowering treatment is started or adjusted. A new rash or suspected drug reaction is different: stop allopurinol and seek prompt medical advice. Severe skin symptoms, swelling, breathing difficulty, or severe illness need emergency care. S02 S09

Know when the plan needs review

Seek urgent help for fever, feeling unwell, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Infection can also occur without fever. Contact your care team if treatment is not helping or causes side effects; do not keep increasing doses yourself. S03 S08

After the flare, review the diagnosis, urate results, treatment response, other conditions, and whether preventive treatment is appropriate. Getting through the pain matters. So does reducing the chance of facing it again. S03

Sources