Baseline and action-threshold worksheet

A de-identified worksheet for defining normal baseline, watch zone, action zone, and flare zone for one gout-prone joint.

Updated 2026-05-20 draft

Use this between flares or after symptoms have clearly started improving.

Do not include names, photos, addresses, clinician names, or account details unless you need them for your own private record. Use one joint per worksheet.

Record label

  • Record label:
  • Joint:
  • Side:
  • Typical flare joint? yes / no / unsure
  • Filled out on a stable day, improving day, or uncertain day:

Stable-day baseline

Describe what normal-for-you looks like when you are not actively flaring.

SignalNormal baseline
Pain 0-10
Stiffness
Swelling
Warmth or heat
Touch sensitivity
Shoe, sock, bedding, or gear tolerance
Walking, stairs, training, or work use
Sleep disruption from this joint

Personal early signs

Check any familiar early signs:

  • Twinge
  • Warmth
  • Pressure
  • Pulse or throbbing
  • Stiffness
  • Limp
  • Sock intolerance
  • Shoe intolerance
  • Bedding sensitivity
  • Night sensitivity
  • Familiar pain climb
  • Other:

Threshold ladder

ZoneWhat it feels likeWhat I doWhat I skip or limit
Baseline
Watch zone
Action zone
Full flare zone

What changes the direction

Things that tend to back it down:

  • Back-down signal 1:
  • Back-down signal 2:
  • Back-down signal 3:

Things that tend to push it upward:

  • Upward signal 1:
  • Upward signal 2:
  • Upward signal 3:

Rescue-plan trigger

  • What level means "watch but do not act yet":
  • What level means "follow my written rescue plan":
  • What signs mean "step back activity":
  • What signs mean "message, call, or seek same-day evaluation":

One-line reminder

Write the sentence you want to see when symptoms start climbing:

Claude prompt

Help me define my personal gout baseline and action threshold for one joint. Ask one question at a time. Do not ask for names, photos, addresses, clinician names, or account details. Build a simple ladder: baseline, watch zone, action zone, flare zone. End with a short reminder I can read when symptoms start climbing and concrete questions for my clinician if the pattern is unclear.

Source trail

Evidence label: standard-care tracking support plus mechanism-aware pattern capture.

Current-care anchors

  • NICE NG219 gout recommendations
  • American College of Rheumatology patient and guideline sources

Mechanism sources

Source check: 2026-05-20.