On this site we begin by looking at some of the symptoms of gout and then go on to look at the causes, gout pain relief and other related articles.
Gout symptoms, foot pain particularly in the joint of the big toe is a primary symptom and can be extremely acute i.e.; sudden and severe.
It is almost impossible to predict when a gout attack is likely to occur. Symptoms may develop quickly over just a few hours and will normally last for 3 to 10 days. After this time the joint should start to feel normal again and any discomfort and pain should disappear completely.
The symptoms quite often develop during the night but can occur any time.
There are many other gout symptoms. Foot swelling, particularly in the area of the affected joint plus the following:
- Inflammation
- Shiny red skin over the affected joint
- Peeling, itchy and flaky skin over the affected joint
As all gout sufferers will attest to, the pain of a gout flare up can be excruciating, even the lightest of pressure from a bed sheet or blanket can be unbearably painful. This severe pain can make walking or moving around very difficult.
It is a fact that up to seventy percent of people suffer their first gout attack in their big toe, and ninety percent of gout sufferers will experience pain in that joint at some time.
Other affected joints may include:
- Knees
- Ankles
- Heels
- Elbows
- Wrists
- Fingers
There is no single test that can be carried out to confirm a diagnosis of gout. Your healthcare professional will look closely at your symptoms and your medical history to make a diagnosis.
There are many conditions that can cause joint pain, inflammation and swelling. Gout is just one of over 200 different forms of arthritis. Your Physician therefore may be unable to make a diagnosis immediately and you may be referred for further tests.
As there is no single test that will diagnose gout, a checklist is often used that is based on the known pattern of symptoms associated with the condition, which are as follows:
- You have had more than one attack of gout symptoms, foot pain ,swelling and inflammation.
- You have experienced high levels of inflammation within one day of the onset of symptoms.
- The symptoms only affect one joint at a time.
- The big toe joint has been affected by symptoms.
- Other joints in your feet have been affected by symptoms
- The result of a serum acid test show raised levels of uric acid in your blood.
- Physical examination or X-rays have detected swelling in the joint.
- There is no evidence that your joint has been infected by bacteria.
You will usually be diagnosed with gout if at least six of the symptoms above apply to you. The sooner symptoms are treated the more quickly you will be pain free. You may well experience symptoms every few weeks, months or years, but it impossible to predict when the next flare up will happen.