Symptoms of Gout

Gout often starts suddenly, usually at night, with severe joint pain that peaks within hours.

Typical flare

• Intense pain in one joint, most often the base of the big toe
• The joint is red, hot, swollen and extremely tender, even to the touch of a bedsheet
• Other common joints: ankle, foot, knee, wrist, fingers and elbow
• Mild fever and feeling unwell in some people
• The flare usually peaks in 12 to 24 hours and may last 3 to 10 days without treatment, then settles fully

Between flares

Many people have no symptoms between attacks. Without treatment, flares can become more frequent and last longer.

Long-standing gout

• Several joints involved at once
• Tophi: hard, chalky lumps under the skin, often on the ears, fingers, elbows or toes
• Constant stiffness, pain and damage to joints
• Kidney stones

Warning signs that need urgent care

• A hot, swollen joint with fever or chills. This can be a joint infection (septic arthritis), which needs same-day care.
• Severe pain and swelling that does not improve with treatment