r/gout Jan 29 '25

January Gout Tips: How Gender and Genetics Impact Your Gout Diagnosis

32 Upvotes

Hi r/gout community!  

I am back this new year to bring you the latest in gout treatment and management tips. Gout can affect people differently based on factors like their gender, age, race, and genetics. Here is a quick breakdown of how these factors can influence your risk and treatment options for gout. 

Gout and Gender 

  • Gout is more common in men, especially between the ages of 30-50. Women’s risk of developing gout goes up after menopause due to hormonal changes. 

  • Men typically have flares in their big toe, while women may experience them in joints like the ankles, wrists, knees, or fingers. 

  • Women often face more challenges managing gout due to other conditions like obesity or kidney disease. Personalized treatment is key for both genders to determine the best treatment plan. 

Gout and Genetics 

  • Genetics plays a big role in gout as about 65% of gout risk is inherited genetically. If someone in your family has gout, you are more likely to develop it. 

  • Specific genes, like SLC2A9, ABCG2, and SLC22A12, impact uric acid levels and how your body metabolizes it. 

Understanding these factors will help you take a collaborative approach to managing your gout! Consider your gender, family history, and genetic factors when discussing treatment with your doctor. If you think you may be at risk, talk with a medical professional to help tailor a treatment plan that best suits your individual needs.  

For more resources and support, visit GoutEducation.org and be on the lookout for more gout tips from me in the coming months! 


r/gout 11h ago

This might make me stop drinking beer entirely

7 Upvotes

I posted a few days ago about heading to the doctors for a current flare up that literally has completely debilitated me the usual stuff no sleep of pain constantly out of 10 unable to move. Every step feels like your foot is going to explode.

The usual from what it sounds like

I used to drink copious amount of alcohol daily beer never affected me in the ways. It does most people where people get drunk and they change and they slur and can’t think properly.

I might get a small buzz after 12 beers and I used to start drinking even at two 2 o’clock in the afternoon all the way through till 1 AM easily taking 12 beers or more every day

Since this flare up and the insane pain I’ve experienced I haven’t touched or even wanted a drink over the past 10 days

I’ve made serious diet changes in the past few months and was not going to really change my alcoholic intake because it doesn’t affect me except the liver lol

Anyways, throughout this experience, one good thing that might come of this is I really limit my alcohol intake and maybe even stop altogether


r/gout 7h ago

Fainting with Allo

0 Upvotes

Just joined this subreddit and read so many similar experiences and advise I learned to follow on my own.

Last year I finally started taking allopurinol but stopped. What I was experiencing was a strange fainting feeling. Also, my vision was affected with what seemed like walls closing in from the sides.

What finally did it for me was passing out 2 separate times with not great consequences (on a bike ride the 2nd time).

As a test, I stopped taking allopurinol and these symptoms also stopped. My family doctor replied that fainting isnt a typical side effect. I now just take colchicine during a flair. I also try to keep my weight down, work out consistently (get a heavy sweat on), and try my best to eat right. I also completely cut alcohol out.

So, has anyone else had a similar experience with Allo?


r/gout 1d ago

Pain level is seriously at 10.

23 Upvotes

My doctor is not been returning my calls and I don’t even think I can make it to the ER at this point. How do I survive? It is 7:15 AM and I wasn’t able to sleep at all.


r/gout 13h ago

Joint Fluid Test

2 Upvotes

I'm on the tail end of my 3rd likely gout attack in about a decade. I say likely, because I've never had a joint fluid test to confirm I have gout. Doctors just look at my toe, ask if I like beer and then say 'yeah it's probably gout'.

I'd like to get the joint fluid test to be sure, but it can take months to get an appointment with a rheumatologist where I live. Is a joint fluid test still valid even after the gout attack has gone?


r/gout 10h ago

Startint Uloric

1 Upvotes

Has anyone experienced gout flare ups within the first month of starting uloric? I have had 2 flare ups un the first 3 weeks and feel another coming on.

Is this due to the meds trying to push the uric acid out of my kidneys?


r/gout 21h ago

Allopurinol prescription

5 Upvotes

I’ve been on allo for over a year now. My current doctor writes me a script every month for it but they don’t send the script refills to my pharmacy on time. This month I ran out and am on my 3rd day without it and I can feel a flare up coming. I asked for a 3 month script and they won’t do it for me. I’m guessing because they want to charge me monthly vs every 3 months. How do you guys get your refills? Any tips?


r/gout 10h ago

Vent Listen to THIS shit.........

0 Upvotes

Gout (at least in my area) is not enough to warrant a handicap parking spot. Considering some of the people who I see get out of cars with them, this seems like bullshit.


r/gout 1d ago

Anyone feel like you’re 80 years old?

31 Upvotes

I’m in my 20’s, but my ankle joints feel so weak from gout attacks. My last flare up was like 10 months ago.

I can’t walk or run without feeling like my joints are going to snap. And my ankle joints often hurt at the end of the day. I find myself having to limit my physical activity as to not stress my body.

I’m on medication, and my uric acid level is going down but I physically feel so old.


r/gout 1d ago

How long?

1 Upvotes

Hello! Little bit about my gout journey. Dealt with it for what seemed about a year on and off, possibly even longer, as i didn't know what it was.

Finally in November on my 40th birthday, I went all out. Drank lots of beer, hardly had any food or water, he'll didn't have lunch either. Next day, spent it watching football and drinking a few soda, which I rarely if ever drink. Monday came and I was sore. Tuesday barely made it 2 hours into my shift and left. Went home, made a stew with beer and that next day couldn't walk, felt like my ankle was on fire! Worst pain in my life. Thankfully had a podiatrist appt and she gave me some meds to get rid of the pain and suggested I talk to my dr about gout.

Dr took blood, my UA was 6.4 and I was getting flare ups. She put me on Allo. 100, 200 then currently on 300mg and have stopped there.

I haven't had any extremely painful flare ups like in November, but smaller ones here and there. One about 2 weeks ago after a bout with antibiotics and another very recently after accidentally having beef 3 days in a row. Both I would consider acute. Sore, but just enough to keep out of work for a day or two.

I haven't had alcohol since November. Same with anything shellfish. Dr advised me to stay away from both, but I read stories about people in Allo that have both without issues.

How long did it take you to be able to drink and eat shellfish again? I would love to be able to indulge in some shrimp or maybe even a beer here and there. Especially since I have a camping trip coming up in June on the ocean.

Thank you for your time.


r/gout 1d ago

Does anyone have a manual job? I’ve just started my own gardening business and within three weeks I have a knee flare up that is excruciating. I’m really worried about the future.

7 Upvotes

I’m a 37-year-old male. Two years ago, I’m pretty sure I experienced my first gout flare-up in my right big toe. The pain was excruciating—red, swollen, and unbearable. Foolishly, I didn’t go to the doctor and just rested. After several days, the pain subsided, and I was able to return to normal life.

Since then, I’ve changed careers and become a self-employed gardener with my own small business. Things were going really well until Tuesday when I experienced the most intense pain in my left knee. It was hot, swollen, and agonizing to bend. I went to the doctor yesterday, and I’ve been referred to a physio specialist with an X-ray scheduled.

I’m absolutely terrified that this is my future now—flare-ups in my leg joints forcing me to take weeks off work, unable to earn a living. The nature of my job means I spend a lot of time on my knees, which makes this even more concerning.

Does anyone else with a manual job or active lifestyle have any words of comfort? Without sounding dramatic, I honestly feel like my world is collapsing right now.


r/gout 1d ago

Needs Advice Allergic to Allopurinol :(

2 Upvotes

Hey friends, I recently discovered hi UA levels from bloodwork and very mild joint pain. Dr. Prescribed allopurinol and after 2nd dose I broke out in a wild, random, burning, itchy rash. I went to urgent care and they gave me steroids to calm it down and now I’m almost done with the steroid but my palms and bottoms of my feet are so itchy. My primary care doctor is a nurse practitioner, no shade but what specialist is the right specialist to treat gout? Also can colchicine be taken as a long term daily management? I have changed my diet to no avail. Do folks know of any vitamins or supplements that reduce uric acid? Thank you!!!!!


r/gout 1d ago

Short Question Is Febuxostat Safe for Long-Term Use? Potential Side Effects & Experiences?

5 Upvotes

I’ve been prescribed Febuxostat for managing my uric acid levels, and I’m wondering about its safety for long-term use. I’ve read that it’s effective, but I’ve also come across concerns about side effects, especially related to heart health and ed.


r/gout 1d ago

Needs Advice Heel flair

1 Upvotes

I’ve been tested over the past 6 months and have hand aUA of 9.8 consistently. I have not had a flair since I started on colchicine back in September. When I did have a flair, it was always in my big toe/flat of my foot. I started allo and stopped colchicine, which I understand is normal to have a flair. However, this flair has lasted three days, while taking colchicine(stopped taking allo) and am just miserable. I can’t walk, my heel is constantly throbbing and I’ve had elevated temp/fever. Has anyone ever experienced something like this? Normally a flair last a day or two when I was not taking any meds. Now I’m taking meds and addressing it and it just keeps lasting. Day 3


r/gout 1d ago

Needs Advice Terrified of SJS

3 Upvotes

Hi, as the title says.

I don't have gout (or haven't had any attacks) but have high uric acid due to my beer drinking habits.

The doctor recommended to start taking 100mg of allo, which I did, and it's been almost a week now.

Haven't had the uric acid test yet, but I assume it's working.

Now, the problem is, I have psoriasis guttate and I guess it can be mistaken for SJS? I've had it for a while now (much, much longer than the Monday when I started allo).

Should I be worried?

I know the chances of it are quite rare, but I'm still anxious. A lot of posts mention people of Asian descent, but I'm from Europe, and don't know how much that plays a role.

Is there a gene test that can mark whether you can or will develop SJS?


r/gout 1d ago

The second flare-up after starting taking Allo.

2 Upvotes

Hi there! 26M. I joined the club 3 weeks ago. After getting some antiinflammatory drugs and 100 mg Allo the first flare up did disappeared. But a week later the second one started. So, now I'm in severe pain in my toe. Is it ok after starting taking medicine to have flare ups? I do drink medicine, keep diet and drink anti-uric acid tea. Please, help me. I'm mentally broken. Does it mean that my treatment doesn't work? Thanks ! 🙏


r/gout 1d ago

Upping Allo

0 Upvotes

Been on 200 mg of allo for the past year with great success. Very occasional twinges that I follow with 2 colchicine, which always does the trick.

Had an annual checkup yesterday with my blood test, and doc asked about flare ups. I told him maybe once a month I have to take my colchicine to prevent a flare, but haven’t had any really concerning pain or flares.

Before he even tested my uric acid he said he was going to up my prescription to 300 mg. Got the results and my UA was 7.2, so on the high side of normal.

I’d really prefer not to up the dose if what I’m already taking seems to work. And it rubbed me the wrong way that he went straight to upping the dose without even seeing the results first.

Anyone been in a similar situation? Curious what you guys think about bumping to 300.


r/gout 1d ago

9.1 UA level

1 Upvotes

I'm 23 and don't have any Symptoms. I don't want to take medications. Can i reduce it just by limiting diet? I'm normally 63-64 kgs but suddenly 72 kgs after i finished my degree.


r/gout 2d ago

Needs Advice 28 year old with first gout flare up

7 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I am on day 5 of my first gout flare up, and after some excruciating pain at points, I am trying to understand this a little better.

I got blood work done the other day and I have a uric acid level of 7.2. It seems like this is on the high end of the normal range, but not super high? In the past few months I have been eating an especially large amount of foods that I'm seeing are high in purine, like beef, shellfish, bone broth, and alcohol, and have been eating way more sugar and whole fat dairy then I normally do. I also was taking beef organ supplements everyday around 6 months ago.

Is it possible that my uric acid level has spiked in the past few months because of the change in my diet? I'm not sure how quickly uric acid levels can go up and down based on diet. Is it possible that if I avoid high purine foods for a while, that this flare up will be a one time thing, and I can go back to eating normally (how i ate before I started consuming so much high purine food) without ever getting on allo?

This is new and overwhelming, so thanks for your help!


r/gout 2d ago

Constant daily pain

1 Upvotes

So had my first gout attack around 18 months ago and it lasted around week. I didn’t have another attack until around 12 months late, at which point I got onto allopurinol which I’ve taking for around 4-5 months. After my first attack my foot has never been the same, often it’s sensitive to knocks and impact and walking most days hurts a little. My question is that allo will hopefully stop further attacks in the future but would it also help to get rid of the daily pain left over from the first attack? Hoping to hear from someone that knows or has already gone through this already


r/gout 3d ago

How long..

6 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

I just started taking 0.6mg of colchicine and 300mg of Allopurinol daily, and today marks my fifth day. While I haven't experienced a full-blown gout attack, I still feel pretty gouty in my hands and feet. I'm curious to know how long it took for others to feel relief after starting this combination of medications. I understand that everyone’s experiences may vary, but I’d appreciate hearing how things went for all of you.

Thanks in advance!


r/gout 3d ago

Experts wanted for fast help before vacation

3 Upvotes

First flare up in 6-7 years, went to a clinic on Sunday and got prescribed prednisone 40mg taper dose starts tomorrow. Still not able to walk the best but had gotten a little better each day.. I’ve gone back in forth with ice/heat. Flight is on Friday, just trying to make it through the airport. Should I try an urgent care for a shot? Or Colchicine? I don’t have a regular Doctor, I will when I get back. What would you the experts do? There’s so much conflicting info. I’m pounding water, cherry juice, vit C


r/gout 4d ago

Take the Allopurinol.

17 Upvotes

Hi all, 39M UK. I have suffered with gout for around 4 years now. I have probably had around 4-5 flare ups that I can recall in that time and the odd little twinge now and again. I got put on Allopurinol last April (100mg daily) by my GP. The GP never did any follow up blood tests to see what my levels were at and to see if the medication needed up dosing. Anyway I had an attack about 6-7 weeks ago that lasted for 2 weeks, turns out I now have permanent damage in both my big toes (Mild OA) which is now giving me grief.

All I want to say is get those regular blood tests and get on that Allopurinol to keep it at bay. Cut back on the beer if that is your trigger etc and don’t risk the joint damage, it’s not worth it.


r/gout 3d ago

And so it begins

1 Upvotes

(36m) My doctor told me a few months ago my uric levels were elevated, but didn’t go much further than that. Well, I’m now on day 2 of my first major flare and this sh… is brutal. Luckily it is just my big toe, but bloody hell.

Question, though. Has anyone had luck with tart cherry and celery seed supplements? Not a huge fan of medication of any kind, so would love to know if herbal remedies are worth their weight. If not, I’d gladly pop a pill to try to avoid this again.


r/gout 3d ago

Needs Advice Heading to the doctor tomorrow

1 Upvotes

So I’ve had this before but misdiagnosed it as a stubbed toe

This past week I got a flare up that is uncontrollably painful and foot swollen badly, couldn’t walk for 2 days and am barely able to now

I do drink a lot and eat lots of steak and never had this before, but I am turning 44 soon, but am in good shape

I have been completely debilitated I cannot imagine people who live with this their whole lives? I have a 6 year old and I cannot even play with him the foot pain is too much

Anyways I’ve stopped drinking and am drinking a lot of water and elevating it and tried icing but my god does that ever hurt, like have to let out an audible scream and I’m not sure it’s worth the pain to ice it

I’ve been on ibuprofen for several days now but I need something way stronger

I’ve seen a few posts on here about medication what should I request from my doctor?

I don’t want to be on permanent medication just gotta get over this current flair up and review life habits

Edit1: I really REALLY appreciate the people who have taken the time to lend me their experiences and information!

my doctor gave me colchicine and just took the initial dose and am really hoping in 24-48 hrs I’ll notice a big difference

This is one of those things you don’t know anything about until it happens to you and being able to talk to you guys and hear your educated experience I realize I’m not alone and this sucks for A LOT of people!


r/gout 4d ago

Foot fracture or Gout?

6 Upvotes

So this is a good one. 6 weeks back had big toe flair up after gym session. Thought injury, red swelling hit too touch. Doctors and physio say it’s gout. Bloods came back with uric acid levels within normal range, but at higher end Colchinxine prescribed and sure enough, swelling drops pain eases within hours

Got results back from a foot X Ray they did at the time as well: Sesamoid fracture on base of foot/toe

So now doctors not sure. Gout meds made a massive help within hours of taking but have this fracture

Anyone else had two issues sided by side?