What should you know about gout attack?

A gout attack can cause sudden, severe pain with warmth, redness, and swelling in one joint. The big toe is a familiar site, but the ankle, knee, and other joints can also be affected. The inflammation is a response to urate crystals inside the joint. Similar symptoms can occur with infection, injury, or another inflammatory arthritis, so a first or unusual attack should not be self-diagnosed.

Attacks may interfere with walking, sleep, and ordinary touch. Kidney function, medicines, alcohol, dehydration, and other factors can influence urate levels and the risk of further episodes.

Rest the painful joint, elevate it when practical, and keep pressure off it. Use a wrapped cool pack for short periods if that feels helpful. Take the flare medicine prescribed for you as directed; the safest choice depends on kidney function, stomach health, other conditions, and current medicines. Avoid borrowing medication or changing a long-term gout prescription without advice.

After symptoms settle, arrange a review if attacks recur. Ask about urate-lowering treatment, triggers you can change, and a plan for future flares. Managing contributing conditions, including chronic kidney disease or obesity, may be part of wider care.

Seek urgent assessment for a hot swollen joint with fever, chills, confusion, faintness, or feeling markedly unwell. Joint infection can resemble gout and requires prompt treatment. Seek review for a first attack, rapidly worsening pain, an injury, or symptoms that do not improve with your agreed plan. Related information is available under [Gout](/conditions/gout/) and [Joint Pain](/symptoms/joint-pain/).

Ask whether the diagnosis needs joint-fluid testing, which medicine is safe for you, and what warning signs should prompt urgent help. Ask how to continue or adjust long-term treatment and how kidney health affects your plan.