What are the first signs of gout?

A flare may begin quickly, sometimes during the night, and the joint can feel extremely tender to touch or movement. The big toe is a familiar site, but gout can also involve an ankle, knee, or another joint. Joint swelling and pain are not specific to gout; infection, injury, and other forms of arthritis can look similar. A clinician may assess the joint and use tests to identify the cause. Gout is linked with urate crystal buildup, while kidney disease and other health factors can affect urate handling.

Rest the painful joint, avoid pressure on it, and use a cool wrapped pack for short periods if that feels soothing. Drink normally unless a clinician has told you to restrict fluids. Do not start, stop, or change gout medicine without medical advice, and check before taking an anti-inflammatory if you have kidney, stomach, heart, or blood-thinner concerns. Arrange an assessment, especially if this is your first episode.

Seek urgent medical care for a hot, swollen joint with fever, chills, feeling very unwell, rapidly worsening pain, or inability to move the joint. These features can signal an infection, which needs prompt treatment. Contact a clinician soon for a first flare, repeated attacks, symptoms that do not settle, or swelling involving the knee or ankle.

Ask whether the pattern fits gout or another cause, whether joint fluid or blood testing is appropriate, and how kidney health or current medicines may affect treatment. Discuss a plan for future flares and ways to reduce triggers that apply to you.