The symptoms of gout typically include sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in one or more joints, most commonly the big toe. The affected joint is often hot, swollen, and so tender that even the weight of a bedsheet can be intolerable. The pain usually begins suddenly, often at night, and reaches its peak within 24 hours. Other symptoms may include lingering discomfort in the joint for days to weeks after the most intense pain subsides, limited range of motion in the affected joint, and in long-standing cases, hard lumps called tophi may form under the skin. Gout flares can also cause fatigue and sometimes fever. The joints most commonly affected are the big toe, ankles, knees, wrists, and fingers. If left untreated, gout can cause joint damage and kidney problems such as kidney stones. Key symptoms summary:
- Sudden intense joint pain, often in the big toe
- Swelling, redness, warmth, and tenderness of the joint
- Pain often starts at night and peaks within 24 hours
- Lingering joint discomfort after the acute pain
- Restricted joint movement
- Possible development of tophi (hard crystal deposits)
- Rarely, fever and fatigue
An attack of gout usually lasts 1 to 2 weeks without treatment but can be effectively managed with medication and lifestyle changes to prevent future attacks.
