Why Gout Hates Winter: The Cold Truth About Flare-Ups!

by Freda Coetzee – May 26, 2025

Gout really doesn’t like the cold. If your joints hurt more in winter, you’re not alone. Cold weather can trigger painful gout flare-ups, especially in your toes, feet, or knees. But why does this happen, and what can you do to feel better? Let’s take a look at what causes gout and how to manage it, even when it’s freezing outside.

What is gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis that affects about 55 million people worldwide. Gout is the inflammation of a joint caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood. Once called the “disease of kings”, due to being linked with rich diets, red meat and alcohol consumption, it is now much more widespread.

Why is gout worse in winter?

Gout often gets worse in winter, and there are a few reasons why. Cold weather slows down blood flow, especially to your hands and feet. This makes it easier for uric acid crystals to form in the joints, which is what causes the pain and swelling of a gout attack. Uric acid also turns into crystals more easily in cooler temperatures, so when your body gets cold, flare-ups are more likely.

On top of that, people tend to eat more rich foods and drink more alcohol in winter, which can raise uric acid levels. We also move around less and drink less water, which makes it harder for the kidneys to flush out extra uric acid. All of these winter habits can add up and make gout symptoms worse.

Which joints can be affected by gout?

Big Toe (Most Common)
The big toe is the classic first spot for gout,this is known as podagra. It often becomes red, swollen, and intensely painful, especially during the night.
Ankle
Pain and swelling in the ankle can make walking difficult.
Knee
Gout in the knee can feel similar to a sprain or infection.
Fingers
Less common, but painful when it occurs, especially in long-term gout sufferers.
Elbow
Often affects the bursa (a fluid-filled sac near the joint), leading to swelling.
Midfoot or Heel
Pain in the instep or heel can happen in advanced cases or with recurrent attacks.

What are the symptoms of gout?

Sudden, Intense Joint Pain

Often starts at night.
Most commonly in the big toe, but can affect the ankle, knee, fingers, or other joints.

Swelling

The joint becomes swollen, warm, and tender to the touch.

Redness and Heat

The skin over the joint may look red or purple and feel hot.

Stiffness and Limited Movement

It can be hard to move the affected joint because of pain and swelling.

Repeated Flares

Gout attacks can come and go. Without treatment, they may happen more often and affect more joints.

Lingering Discomfort

After the worst of the pain passes, the joint may still feel sore for a few days to weeks.

In long-term or severe cases, hard lumps called tophi may form under the skin around the joints. These are made of uric acid crystals and can cause joint damage if untreated.

What are the symptoms of gout?

Men Over 40

Men are more likely than women to develop gout, especially after age 40.

Postmenopausal Women

After menopause, women’s risk increases due to lower estrogen, which helps remove uric acid.

People With a Diet High in Purines

Eating a lot of red meat, organ meats (like liver), shellfish, and high-fructose drinks increases uric acid levels.

Heavy Alcohol Drinkers

Beer and spirits are particularly harmful as they both raise uric acid levels and put added strain on your kidneys

People Who Are Overweight or Obese

Extra body weight increases uric acid production and makes it harder for the kidneys to remove it.

Those With a Family History of Gout

Genetics can play a strong role, as gout often runs in families.

People on Certain Medications

Diuretics (water pills), low-dose aspirin, and some treatments for high blood pressure can raise uric acid levels.

Those With Chronic Health Conditions

Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, and metabolic syndrome increase gout risk.

Making lifestyle changes and managing these risk factors early can help lower your chances of developing gout or reduce flares if you already have it.

Lifestyle Changes to Manage or Prevent Gout

Eat a Gout-Friendly Diet

Limit purine-rich foods like red meat, organ meats, shellfish, and oily fish (like sardines).
Avoid sugary drinks and high-fructose corn syrup.
Eat more vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and cherries, which may help lower uric acid.

Drink Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated helps your kidneys flush out excess uric acid.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Losing extra weight can reduce uric acid levels and take pressure off your joints.

Cut Back on Alcohol

Especially beer and spirits, which can raise uric acid levels.

Stay Active

Regular, low-impact exercise helps with weight control and reduces inflammation.

Limit Salt and Processed Foods

These can stress your kidneys and raise your risk of flare-ups.

Take a Natural Supplement

Manna Gout Support uses natural ingredients to eliminate excess uric acid from the body, reducing and preventing uric acid build up around the joints.
Take Manna Gout Support in between flare ups to keep uric acid levels down.
Take Manna Gout Support during flare ups to clear up painful symptoms.
Use Manna Burning Feet Gel during flare ups to relieve pain.

Manna Gout Support

Treat gout easily and effectively with Manna Gout Support

The natural ingredients used in Manna Gout Support work together to eliminate excess uric acid from the body, thus reducing & preventing uric acid crystal build-up around the joints – which are the cause of gout.