Managing Gout: Why a Personalized Plan Makes All the Difference
Learn how personalized treatment plans can help manage gout, prevent flares and lower uric acid levels for better long-term health.
By
Patrick Campbell
| Published on April 28, 2025
2 min read
In Episode 7 of Managing Uncontrolled Gout: Insights from Top Doctors, Priya Reddy, M.D., a rheumatologist in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, talks about why it is important to personalize gout care at every stage of the disease.
Reddy explains that gout looks different depending on when a patient seeks help. Some people visit the doctor during a painful flare, while others come during a quiet period between attacks. Some have had only one attack, while others have lived with gout for years and have tophi, which are hard lumps of uric acid under the skin. Knowing the patient’s full history helps doctors create a treatment plan that fits their needs.
It’s also important to find out what is causing the gout. Some medications or health problems can raise uric acid levels. Reddy stresses the need for a full medical history, a good physical exam and a plan that matches the patient’s lifestyle and goals.
When treating gout, Reddy says the top priorities are stopping flares and reaching a safe uric acid level — usually 6 milligrams per deciliter or lower, based on guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology. Some people may need even lower levels. If flares continue or tophi are still present, it shows the disease is not yet under control and the treatment plan needs adjusting.
If a patient keeps having flares, Reddy says it’s important to find out if they are taking their medicine as prescribed and if they can afford it. Changes in other medications might also affect gout. Blood tests and physical exams help doctors find out if uric acid levels are at the right target.
Reddy ends with a message of hope: Gout is very treatable. Once doctors know it’s gout, they have clear ways to lower uric acid, stop flares and protect the joints. She encourages patients to stay involved in their care and to know that with the right plan, they can take control of their health and feel better.
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