Version July 2025
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What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED because of pain and swelling in a joint. The doctors think these symptoms are caused by gout, which is a form of arthritis.
Gout can happen if you have too much uric acid in your blood. This is a chemical that is produced when the body breaks down certain foods. Uric acid can form sharp needle-like crystals that build up in the joints and cause pain. People with gout get sudden "flares" or attacks of severe pain.
Your painful joint will likely get better with treatment within a few days to a few weeks.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Take all your medicines as instructed:
•The doctors might have told you to take NSAID medicines to reduce pain and swelling, such as ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).
•Do not take aspirin to treat your gout flare.
●Rest your joint. Prop it on pillows, keeping it above the level of your heart. This helps lessen pain and swelling.
●Ice can help with pain. Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
●Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grain, and low-fat dairy products.
●Ask your doctor if you should eat a diet low in "purines." These are natural substances found in many foods. A low-purine diet sometimes helps people with gout feel better.
●Drink plenty of water to avoid getting dehydrated.
●Limit sugary drinks and alcohol. These can make gout flares worse.
●Talk with your regular doctor about other medicines or lifestyle changes that can help prevent gout flares. If you have excess body weight, losing weight can help relieve gout.
When should I get emergency help?
●Return to the ED if:
•You have a fever of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher or chills, with severe joint pain that does not get better with treatment.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.
●You have pain when urinating.
●Your symptoms are not improving within 2 to 3 days, or your pain does not go away completely after a few weeks.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Gout (The Basics)
Patient education: Low-purine diet (The Basics)
