Controlling Gout Flares: Managing Inflammation and Pain
With the right treatment plan, patients with gout can prevent painful attacks and long-term complications.
By
Lana Pine
| Published on March 17, 2025
3 min read
In this episode of The Educated Patient’s “Managing Uncontrolled Gout: Insights from Top Doctors” series, we continue our deep dive into gout with insights from Polly Bittle, APRN, FNP-C, a nurse practitioner at Tampa Bay Nephrology Associates, and Angela Crowley, M.D., a rheumatologist at Hinsdale Orthopedics in Illinois.
Bittle explains that gout is caused by uric acid crystal buildup in the joints, most commonly affecting the big toe. Many patients mistakenly attribute gout symptoms to general aging or arthritis, delaying proper treatment. She emphasizes that gout is often linked to genetics, kidney disease, hypertension and other conditions. While diet plays a role — certain foods like red meat, seafood and alcohol can trigger flares — gout is primarily a metabolic issue requiring medical intervention. Long-term management includes staying hydrated, monitoring uric acid levels and using medications tailored to individual needs. Without treatment, gout can cause severe joint damage and systemic complications.
Crowley highlights the broader health risks associated with uncontrolled gout. Uric acid crystals don’t just affect the joints — they accumulate in the kidneys, arteries and other organs, potentially increasing the risk of kidney disease, heart attacks and strokes. She dispels the common misconception that gout is solely diet-related, stressing that lifestyle changes alone cannot adequately manage the condition. Effective treatment requires adherence to prescribed medications, regular check-ups and ongoing communication with health care providers.
Both experts agree that patients with gout should be proactive in managing their condition by working closely with specialists such as rheumatologists and nephrologists. They stress the importance of recognizing gout as a chronic, systemic disease rather than just an occasional flare-up. Preventive care, including hydration, dietary awareness and medication adherence, can help reduce painful attacks and long-term damage. Patients experiencing frequent flares should seek medical guidance to adjust their treatment plans and prevent complications.
Ultimately, the key takeaway is that gout is highly treatable with the right approach — no one should have to live in daily pain when effective therapies are available.
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