Gout in Older Adults

Gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden, painful joint inflammation. It is common in older adults, especially those living with chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes, or heart disease.

With the right care, most gout flares can be prevented, and long-term joint damage can be reduced.

What Is Gout?

Gout occurs when uric acid builds up in the blood and forms sharp crystals in the joints. These crystals cause inflammation, swelling, redness, and severe pain.

Gout most often affects:

• The big toe
• Feet and ankles
• Knees
• Fingers, wrists, or elbows

Flares can come on suddenly and may last days to weeks if untreated.

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Why Gout Is More Common in Older Adults

You may be at higher risk for gout if you:

• Are over age 60
• Have kidney disease or reduced kidney function
• Take certain medications (such as diuretics or low-dose aspirin)
• Have high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease
• Are dehydrated
• Have a history of gout flares

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Common Triggers for Gout Flare-Ups

Understanding triggers is one of the best ways to prevent attacks.

Common Gout Triggers

☐ Dehydration
☐ Alcohol (especially beer and spirits)
☐ Large portions of red meat
☐ Organ meats (liver, kidney)
☐ Certain seafood (anchovies, sardines, shellfish)
☐ Sugary drinks or foods high in fructose
☐ Sudden illness, surgery, or stress
☐ Skipping or stopping gout medications

💡 Tip: Triggers vary by person — tracking patterns can help identify yours.

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Diet Tips for Managing Gout

Diet alone may not cure gout, but it plays an important role in reducing flare-ups. Ask your healthcare provider or dietician for specific dietary recommendations for you. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any significant dietary modifications. 

Foods to Limit

• Red meat (beef, lamb, pork)
• Organ meats
• Seafood (especially anchovies, sardines, mussels, scallops, shellfish, mackerel)
• Alcohol (especially beer)
• Sugary drinks and desserts
• Highly processed foods

Foods That Are Generally Safer

• Low-fat dairy products
• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Lean proteins (chicken, turkey, eggs, plant proteins)
• Water and unsweetened beverages

💧 Hydration matters: Drinking enough fluids helps the body remove uric acid.

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Long-Term Gout Management

Gout is often a chronic condition, meaning long-term management is important even when you feel well.

Medication Management

Some people need daily medication to:

• Lower uric acid levels
• Prevent future flare-ups
• Reduce joint damage

⚠️ Do not stop gout medications during a flare unless your provider tells you to.

Lifestyle Strategies That Help

• Stay well hydrated
• Eat regular, balanced meals
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Manage other chronic conditions
• Take medications exactly as prescribed
• Follow any dietary recommendations given by your healthcare provider or dietician

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Daily Gout Symptom Checklist

Use this checklist to monitor changes and share with your healthcare provider:

☐ Joint pain or tenderness
☐ Redness or warmth
☐ Swelling
☐ Limited movement
☐ Pain waking you at night
☐ Difficulty walking or using hands
☐ Fever or chills

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Gout Prevention Action Plan

My Gout Management Goals

• I will drink ___ cups of fluids daily (ask your healthcare provider for a fluid intake goal tailored to you)
• I will identify and avoid my main triggers
• I will take my gout medication as prescribed
• I will contact my provider if a flare begins
• I will track flares and symptoms

Write down known triggers:

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When to Seek Medical Help

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

🚨 A new or worsening gout flare
🚨 Severe pain that does not improve
🚨 Fever, chills, or signs of infection
🚨 Flares becoming more frequent
🚨 Side effects from gout medications

Seek urgent care if you cannot walk, have severe swelling, or suspect infection.

Always ask your healthcare provider for specific advice on when to call to report symptoms, and when to seek urgent/emergency care.  

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Key Takeaways

• Gout is common and manageable in older adults
• Identifying triggers helps prevent flare-ups
• Diet, hydration, and medications work together
• Long-term management protects joints and mobility
• Early treatment leads to better outcomes

With the right plan, many people with gout live active, comfortable lives.

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Learn more about Gout from:

1. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Gout
2. Arthritis Foundation - Gout
3. American College of Rheumatology – Gout
4. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease - Gout

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Medical Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Gout and chronic conditions affect individuals differently, and treatment plans should be personalized.

Always consult your doctor, nurse practitioner, or other licensed healthcare provider regarding symptoms, medications, dietary changes, or concerns related to gout or other medical conditions. Do not delay or avoid seeking medical care based on information in this resource.

If you experience severe pain, fever, signs of infection, or sudden worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention or call 911.