Why does gout cause joint pain?

The resulting swelling makes the joint tender, hot and painful to move or touch. Joint Pain is a very common presentation of Gout, while joint pain can also come from injury, infection and other inflammatory conditions.

Urate is made as the body processes purines, substances found naturally in the body and in some foods and drinks. If urate builds up, sharp crystals can form in a joint. Immune cells react to the crystals, producing a sudden flare of inflammation.

Gout often affects a joint in the foot, but it can affect the ankle, knee, hand, wrist or elbow. A flare can make even light contact, such as a bedsheet, feel very uncomfortable.

Rest the affected joint and, if it is comfortable, keep it raised. A wrapped cold pack may ease pain and swelling; avoid putting ice directly on skin. Drink fluids unless you have been advised to limit them for another medical reason.

Contact a clinician or pharmacist about pain relief that is suitable for you, particularly if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcers, heart disease, take blood-thinning medicine, or are pregnant. Long-term urate-lowering treatment is considered separately from immediate flare care.

Seek same-day medical advice for a first episode of a hot, swollen joint, or if the diagnosis is uncertain. A joint infection can look similar to gout and needs prompt treatment.

Get urgent care if you have fever or feel severely unwell with a red, hot swollen joint, cannot bear weight after an injury, or have rapidly worsening pain and swelling.

Ask how gout can be confirmed, whether your medicines or health conditions affect treatment choices, and what plan may reduce future flares. If you have repeated attacks, ask when urate levels and long-term prevention should be reviewed.