Sorry to hear about the attack and I know exactly how you fell. I would get an attack of gout if I am dehydrated which can happen when travelling and flying as you are away from your routine as well I have had attacks after drinking beer.
The good news is if this one time attack or they happen rarely, you don't need to be on meds for ever but you need to watch it and get your blood checked for uric acid counts. My doctor gave me a standing order for an anti-inflammatory as well as some meds which break up the crystals.
The main thing that has reduced my attacks to almost zero was I lost weight and watch the amount of sugar I consume.