What are the symptoms of gout?

During an attack, the joint can become extremely tender, and pressure from a shoe, bedsheet, or light touch may feel difficult to tolerate. Movement is often restricted by pain and swelling. The skin over the joint may look shiny or red and feel hot. Gout can affect the ankle, knee, midfoot, wrist, or fingers as well as the big toe. Attacks may settle and then return, while ongoing crystal deposits can cause firm lumps around joints or the ear. These symptoms overlap with infection and other forms of arthritis, so symptoms alone cannot confirm gout.

Arrange a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) for a first attack, an uncertain diagnosis, or repeated episodes. Assessment may include examination and a [Blood Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/blood-test/); results need to be interpreted with the symptoms because a single test does not explain every flare. Keep the joint rested and comfortably elevated while arranging care, and follow prescribed treatment instructions. [Nutrition Counselling](/treatments/lifestyle-and-wellness/nutrition-counselling/) can support longer-term management when recommended.

Seek urgent medical care for a hot, swollen joint with fever, chills, feeling very unwell, or rapidly worsening redness. Prompt review is also needed if pain is severe and new, especially after an injury or if you cannot move or bear weight. A joint infection can resemble gout and needs urgent treatment, so do not assume a first hot joint is a gout attack.

What findings support gout in my case? Should the joint be tested or should I have blood tests? What should I do during a future flare, and how can recurrence be reduced?