Does gout cause joint pain?

Gout develops when urate crystals collect in and around a joint, triggering inflammation. An attack can begin quickly with intense pain, warmth, swelling, redness, and marked tenderness. The big toe is a familiar site, but the ankle, knee, foot, wrist, or another joint may be involved.

Symptoms alone cannot prove that an attack is gout. A clinician may consider your history, examine the joint, and arrange blood tests or fluid testing when needed. Infection and other inflammatory conditions can look similar.

Rest the painful joint, keep it raised if comfortable, and use a wrapped cold pack for short periods. Arrange medical advice about treatment, especially if this is your first attack or the diagnosis is uncertain. Take prescribed gout medicine as directed and do not start or stop long-term treatment without advice.

Seek urgent medical help for a hot swollen joint with fever, chills, feeling very unwell, or rapidly worsening pain. These features can indicate a joint infection, which needs prompt treatment. Also seek help if you cannot use the limb or symptoms follow a significant injury.

Ask whether testing is needed to confirm gout, which pain relief is suitable for you, how to handle future attacks, and whether a plan to lower urate is appropriate.