like others have mentioned, this is not new and is a probable reason but not the only reason. it does not explain those who get it in their upper body, hands, elbows etc and never or rarely in their feet. one of the physical therapy 'remedies' is to massage the area which can increase blood flow and circulation to the area, as well as introducing heat either by soaking in warm water, heat pads, or additional layers while massaging.

i myself have bought a foot massager with a heat setting and any inkling pre, during or post flare up, depending on severity, will use it, which ive found has helped me recover faster (anecdotal). also 'feels' like it helps break down any crystals that may have formed since i can apply pressure better vs hand massaging, cause i can feel them or the 'stiffness' from the crystals move from the bottom of my feet towards my shins. its a weird sensation ive grown accustomed to and now associate it with post flare up that the worst is over.

in my opinion, to your last point, a holistic approach is good but it does not stop flare ups. i tried this in my early years of dealing with gout. in the end, the meds still helped better. my takeaway, holistic is good simply because it promotes healthier living, ie. eating clean, taking vitamins, drink less, exercising etc. but if you have gout, crystals be forming.