As for resting (Recommendation 1), I note that only C grade evidence is available to support this. Although, in my experience, resting the affected joint, particularly when raising it above heart level, can ease the pain, I’ve found that gentle exercise causes the joint to heal quicker. Often, I need to take ibuprofen to be able to tolerate the pain of exercising a swollen joint, but I try to keep this to a minimum.

What was your first advice for coping with a painful gouty joint? Did you understand it? Did you follow it? Please share your experience here, or ask a question if you don’t understand what I’ve said.