Wherever you are, we've been there too.
Start here. Get answers. Make progress.
Choose where you're at in your gout journey, and we’ll show you what to do next, and why it matters.
Whether you’re stuck in flare limbo, just got diagnosed, or finally feeling some relief, this page is for you. We’ve walked this road ourselves, and we know how confusing it can be. That’s why we created this roadmap: a step-by-step guide grounded in medical science, patient experience, and zero judgment.
I just had my first flare (I think?)
It came out of nowhere,
and wow, it hurt!
You're in the early, confusing stage. You’re in pain, maybe unsure what’s going on, and googling furiously. Here’s how to get a real diagnosis and what to ask your doctor next.
Get a clear explanation of gout.
It's a common and complex form of inflammatory arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid in your blood, which form painful crystals in your joints. This is a biological condition, not a personal failing or simply a result of diet. Learn more about gout here >
This is not your fault!
We know a quick google search can you make you feel that way, but gout is caused primarily by genetics (or other medical risk factors) and your body's inability to process uric acid effectively. While certain foods and drinks can contribute to flares, they are almost never the sole cause.
Your first doctor's Appointment is key.
Be direct and ask for a serum uric acid blood test. This is the essential first step to getting answers. It’s an easy blood test, and important to know your levels. A level above 6.0 mg/dL often indicates gout.
Plan for your next flare.
Ask your doctor for a "just-in-case" prescription for fast-acting relief (like colchicine or indomethacin) so you're not scrambling in pain when you have another flare. We recommend placing it in your nightstand since gout is most likely to strike in the night.
Find
immediate relief.
If you have to wait for your appointment, rest the joint, ice it for 15-20 minutes at a time, and keep it elevated. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories can help, if they are safe for you.
What we wish we knew sooner
The pain may be gone before your appointment, but we urge you to keep it, and take the time to show up. Gout starts intermittently, but if you have had a flare, and you don’t handle your gout, you will most likely get another flare. It’s a disease to take seriously, and it can get much worse.
It’s not in your head.
It’s in your joints.
I'm sure I have gout,
but no one’s confirmed it.
Your pain is real, even if your provider hasn’t figured it out yet.
Gout is often misdiagnosed, especially in women and younger people. This guide helps you push for answers, advocate for yourself, and find the right tests.
Target the right specialist.
Your best chance for an accurate diagnosis is to make an appointment with a Rheumatologist - an arthritis and gout specialist. Use our Find a Doctor tool to locate one, or ask for a referral, and call ahead to ask if that Dr specifically deals with gout.
Know the tests to ask for.
For a definitive answer, ask about:
Joint Aspiration: Fluid is drawn from the joint and examined for crystals (the definitive test).
Dual-Energy CT (DECT) Scan: An advanced scan that visually maps out urate crystal deposits.
Document your evidence.
Track your flares: dates and times, pain level, joint location, and symptoms. Bring this log and photos (if you can) to your Rheumatology appointment.
Script your request. Be direct:
"Given my symptoms, I'd like a uric acid test. I understand it may be low now due to the flare, so I'd also like to discuss a joint aspiration or DECT scan."
Get a second opinion, if needed.
If your doctor refuses to investigate, or take your issues seriously, find a new one! You are not being rude, or wrong here to want a second opinion. This is a time when you need to advocate for yourself.
PS: This part’s important too
The serum uric acid blood test is a great first step, but crucially, this test can read deceptively low during a flare because the uric acid has left your bloodstream to form crystals in your joint. Don't let a "normal" result dismiss the diagnosis.
We've got you
We know how dark it can feel, but we also know the way out.
This is where support, science, and lived experience come together to guide your next steps.
Because Google doesn’t have your back
We've tried the cherry juice too.
We get it. When you’re in pain and desperate for answers, you’ll try just about anything. Many of us started with natural remedies, hoping to avoid medications or find a quick fix. It’s not your fault, that’s what the internet promises.
But here’s what we’ve learned: gout is a complex medical condition, not something that can be flushed out or “cleansed” with a supplement. Real, lasting relief comes from getting a proper diagnosis, understanding your uric acid levels, and following a treatment plan that’s backed by science.
If one-ingredient cures worked, we’d be the first to celebrate them. But most of those miracle claims are just clever marketing preying on people in pain.
You deserve better.
And that’s why we’re here, with real answers, clear steps, and the kind of support Google can’t give you.
I have a diagnosis & meds, but I’m still flaring!
You’re doing “everything right,” but the flares keep coming.
You’ve know the word gout, you might even be on meds or avoiding “trigger foods”. But you're still hurting. This phase breaks down why that might be happening, and how to break the flare cycle for good.
First, please be kind to yourself.
You are not failing. If you're still flaring, it almost always means your treatment plan needs adjusting, not that you did something wrong! We know this phase too well - promise even if you feel like hope is lost, we are going to help you find it again!
Let's clarify the two approaches to care.
You might be on a plan that Treats-to-Avoid Symptoms - using medications like colchicine to put out fires when they start. To stop fires for good, you may need a Treat-to-Target strategy. This uses long-term medication to lower your uric acid below 6.0 mg/dL, the level where painful crystals can dissolve.
Some Meds Stop the Problem. Others Clean It Up.
Some meds lower how much uric acid your body makes while on them, but others can help remove crystals that might have been building up for years. If you're still flaring, you may need one to clean house. It doesn’t mean your plan failed, it might just need a little backup.
How to talk to your doctor about this.
It's okay to ask for a new approach! You could say: “Is there a treatment that not only lowers my uric acid but also helps clear out the crystals that have already built up? And can we make a plan to manage any flares while my body adjusts?”
Consider partnering with a specialist
A rheumatologist focuses solely on complex arthritis like gout. They can be incredible partners in fine-tuning this process with different treatment options that may work better for you, and getting you to lasting relief. Remission from flares is a reachable goal!
Bonus tip from the gout trenches
When you first start the proactive plan, it's common to experience flares as the crystals begin to dissolve and mobilize. This is a normal, while frustrating, sign that the treatment is working. Your doctor should provide you with flare medication to manage this transition period.
Uric-ly speaking,
I’ve had enough
I manage my gout with lifestyle changes, but I want to learn more
You’ve made progress, but are you truly in control?
Maybe you’ve changed your diet and upped your water, but flares still sneak in, or you’re just tired of living with tight restrictions. This guide explains how to get lasting control and when it might be time to adjust your approach.
Acknowledge the limits of lifestyle.
You've made fantastic progress. For most people, however, diet and hydration can only lower uric acid by about 1 mg/dL. If your baseline is too high, this may not be enough. Medication might sound scary, so tell your doctor your concerns.
get your uric acid number
The single most important thing you can do is know your current uric acid level. If it's over 6, you need a fix. This isn't just a slogan; it's medical fact. If your level is above 6.0, it's time to consider adding Urate-Lowering Therapy (ULT) to protect your joints and body.
Understand the silent damage of gout.
Even if you're not flaring, a uric acid level above 6.0 mg/dL means crystals are likely still present in your joints, potentially causing erosion and long-term damage without pain. Uncontrolled gout can affect your kidneys, eyes, and heart as well. Learn about gout in the whole body here.
Reframe what success looks like.
If your flares are rare but your number is still high, that’s a signal, not a success story. True control means dissolving the crystals for good, not just living a life where avoiding triggers keeps the pain away, usually.
Schedule a tune-up
Make an appointment with your doctor to review your labs and talk about how Urate Lowering Therapy (ULT) can work with your healthy habits to keep flares away for good. When your treatment plan is dialed in, you can live with confidence, not restriction, knowing gout isn’t calling the shots anymore.
Don’t wait for a setback to act.
If your current plan feels “good enough,” that’s great, but “controlled” and “quiet” aren’t always the same. Use this stable phase as a chance to level up, not coast. Staying proactive now could mean fewer meds, fewer flares, and more freedom later.
You’ve come so far
You’ve found what works. You’re living proof.
Now imagine how powerful that could be for someone just starting out.
I’ve got my gout under control, I’m happy, and I want to help others!
You’re living proof that it gets better, let's share the news!
You’ve done the hard work. Now you’re in control and want to give back, whether that means supporting others in the group, sharing your story, or advocating for better care. Here’s how to turn your experience into impact.
Share your story of hope
Your journey is a powerful roadmap for others. Submit your story to be featured on our blog and inspire someone who is just starting out and scared.
Submit your story here >
Become a community guide
Help others find their way by becoming a moderator or a welcoming presence in our support groups. Your experience is a valuable asset.
Browse through our Ambassador page to learn more about how you can help >
Advocate for change
Join our efforts to fight stigma and improve access to care. Your voice can help shape better policies and understanding for everyone.
For ideas and help with this, take a look at our Ambassador Page >
Amplify our message.
Help us reach more people by sharing our vetted resources and content on your social channels. Awareness is the first step to change.
You can download shareables from our Ambassador Page >
Become a GSGA Ambassador
We're creating a brand new ambassador program for those who want to dedicate time to helping our cause and spreading hope for other gout patients.
We'd love to hear from you if you're interested in becoming an ambassador >
Real stories spark real change
You might not realize how powerful your lived experience is, until someone tells you it changed their life. What you’ve lived through might feel ordinary now, but to someone still in the thick of it, your story could be the turning point. Your experience can light the way forward.
*Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for personal diagnosis and treatment. [View Full Disclaimer]
The Gout Roadmap is intended to empower you with knowledge and questions to discuss with your doctor.
It is not a personalized treatment plan.
Science + support for every stage of your gout journey.
No judgment. Just progress.
You don't need to have it all figured out today
But with the right support and information, you can make your next move with confidence. This isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress, one step at a time. Come back to this guide as often as you need to, as you progress to getting your gout completely under control.
Next Step?
Stay Connected.
Stay Empowered.
Whether you’re just starting out or feeling more in control, you don’t have to go it alone. Explore the blog for real stories and science-backed tips, check out our downloadable tools, or join the GSGA Facebook group to connect with others who get it. Your journey’s not over, and we’re here for every step.
