The body produces uric acid from breaking down purines. The uric acid then dissolves in blood and passes out of the body through the urinary system. Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals build up around joints because of an increased amount of the substance in the body. Men tend experience gout more than women. Eating food high in purines, such as organ meats and asparagus, increases the risk of developing gout. Treatment for gout includes pain medications and lifestyle changes.
Pain
The pain from gout may occur in any joint, but commonly occurs in the joint of the big toe, the ankle and the knee, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Other joints that can experience gout include the heels, wrists, fingers and elbows. One or more joints can become painful at the same time. Pain usually starts during the night and can be severe enough to awake the individual. The pain may include multiple intensities that range from throbbing to crushing pain, and is the most extreme for the first 24 hours. Taking medication helps decrease the pain, but the sufferer may continue to feel discomfort for days to weeks following a gout attack. As the gout attacks continue, the pain can linger for longer periods and may begin to affect more joints each time.
Inflammation
The affected joint may become swollen and cause difficulty when bending due to stiffness. Inflammation and redness usually occur along with the pain, and the joint may feel warm, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. The inflammation can cause the skin to stretch tight, look shiny and appear purple. The area may also feel tender when touched. Placing a sheet or clothing over the affected area may also cause pain.
Fever
A fever can accompany the other symptoms of a gout attack. Fevers reaching up to 102 degrees F can also cause the affected individual to feel a generalized ill feeling, according to Merck.com. Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, to help decrease the pain and inflammation of the gout will also help reduce the fever.
Kidney Stones
Some individuals who experience gout also develop kidney stones, also made up of uric acid. Symptoms of a kidney stone includes pain in the lower back or side, and symptoms of a lower urinary tract infection such as painful urination and frequent urges to urinate. Kidney stones can pass through the urinary system without medical treatment.
