Good evening, really glad I found this thread. I broke my toe maybe 7 years ago and had gout flare ups the last 4 years randomly once a year for about 5 days couldn't even walk. Always got better and never thought anything of it. Once a friend told me it could possibly be gout last week when this happened again I didn't believe him at first but all the symptoms were exactly the same. I feel so stupid for never paying much attention to it. I'm an arborist and stuff like that just happens (so I though) I completely cut out alcohol which was a huge step for me as I was an alcoholic. This might be a stupid question but if I take cautionary measures from here on out should I still assume it can happen again randomly? Thanks 30 yr old male very active if that helps