Gout is a type or arthritis that develops due to the excessive accumulation of uric acid---a waste product in the body---within the joints of the body. Certain factors, such as genetics, obesity or increased alcohol consumption can elevate you risk of developing gout. If you develop medical symptoms of gout, speak with your doctor to determine the best course of care to treat this condition.
Joint Pain
The primary symptom associated with gout is the acute onset of severe joint pain. Pain due to gout typically occurs within only one joint and most frequently affects the joint of the big toe, explain doctors at The Mayo Clinic. Painful joint symptoms can also develop within your ankles, feet, knees, wrists or hands.
Symptoms of pain caused by gout are often characterized as crushing, throbbing or excruciating sensations that severely interfere with your ability to move the affected joint normally. Pain severity typically peaks within 12 to 24 hours after the onset of initial symptoms, though residual pain can last for up to a few weeks after an acute gout attack. Subsequent gout attacks can occur intermittently (chronic gout) and may cause a longer duration of symptoms.
Joint Inflammation
Uric acid crystals that accumulate within joint (synovial) fluid due to gout can cause severe irritation and inflammation within the lining of the affected joint. If this occurs, the skin covering the affected joint can appear red, puffy or enlarged. The affected joint may feel warm and can be extremely sensitive to touch. Such symptoms can prohibit normal movement of the affected joint and may persist for several days. Typically, symptoms of joint inflammation due to gout are also accompanied by joint pain.
Fever
Certain people who have gout can experience fever during a gout attack. A fever is an inflammatory reaction generated by your immune system in response to abnormal irritation or infection. Fever symptoms associated with gout are typically low-grade and subside once the gout attack has ended. If you develop a fever in addition to joint pain or inflammation, contact your doctor immediately as this may be a sign of an infection within the joint.
