Prognosis and Duration Of Disabling Effects

During an acute attack, a person may be confined to bed or chair, or may be severely restricted in their activities. Such severe restriction will be of extremely short duration, as effective treatment exists to relieve pain and inflammation within hours. Even if untreated, an acute attack of gout will settle on its own, and the joint will return to normal with no functional limitations.

Functional limitations from longstanding gout are rare due to effective treatment.