Carefully follow instructions about how much medicine to take and when to take it. Acute gout is best treated when symptoms first occur. Tell your doctor about all the medicines and vitamins you take to find out if any of them increase your risk of hyperuricemia. Plan follow-up visits with your doctor to evaluate your progress. Maintain a healthy, balanced diet, avoid foods that are high in purines, and drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
Fluids help remove uric acid from the body.
Exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy body weight. Lose weight if you are overweight. Visit the Web sites for the Arthritis Foundation and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases for information and physician referrals.