6 Telltale Symptoms of Gout

Waking up in the middle of the night with a sudden, intense pain in your big toe? You might be experiencing a flare-up of gout, a form of arthritis that can cause excruciating pain and discomfort. 

Understanding the symptoms of gout is important for getting early diagnosis and treatment, which can help you manage the condition effectively and prevent long-term complications.

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that develops when uric acid crystals accumulate in your joints, causing inflammation and pain. Uric acid is a waste product formed from the breakdown of purines, which are found in certain foods and drinks. 

Normally, uric acid dissolves in the blood and is excreted in your urine. However, when your body produces too much uric acid or your kidneys can’t eliminate enough of it, uric acid levels rise, and crystals form in the joints, leading to gout.

Gout can affect anyone, but it is more common in men over the age of 40. Women are more likely to develop gout after menopause. 

Certain risk factors increase your chances of getting gout, including genetics, diet, alcohol consumption, and certain health conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

At Arlington/Mansfield Foot and Ankle Centers in Arlington and Mansfield, Texas, our board-certified podiatrists are dedicated to helping you manage and treat gout effectively. 

Because recognizing the signs of gout is the first step to getting treatment, keep reading to learn about six telltale symptoms and how we can help.

1. Intense joint pain

One of the most common and recognizable gout symptoms is intense joint pain. Gout often affects the joint at the base of the big toe but can also occur in other joints, such as the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers. 

The pain usually starts suddenly and is often described as sharp, throbbing, or excruciating. This intense pain typically occurs at night and can be so severe that even the lightest touch, like the weight of a bedsheet, can be unbearable. 

2. Swelling and redness

Gout can cause significant swelling and redness in your affected joint. The area may appear swollen, warm, and tender to the touch. 

Inflammation results from your body’s immune response to the uric acid crystals in your joint. This swelling can make it difficult to move the joint and interfere with daily activities.

3. Limited range of motion

As gout progresses, it can lead to a limited range of motion in your affected joints. You might notice you cannot bend or straighten the joint fully, which can make walking or everyday tasks challenging and uncomfortable.

4. Lingering discomfort

After the intense pain of a gout attack subsides, you may experience lingering discomfort in the affected joint for several days or weeks. 

Even though the pain is not as severe as during the acute phase, your joint may still feel tender and sensitive. This is a sign that gout is still present and requires additional treatment.

5. Recurring attacks

Gout often occurs in recurring attacks. After an initial flare-up, you may go for months or even years without experiencing another attack. 

However, gout can return, often with increasing frequency and severity, if left untreated. Each subsequent attack can cause more damage to the joint and increase the risk of chronic arthritis. 

6. Development of a tophus

Tophi are large deposits of uric acid crystals that can form under your skin, particularly in your fingers, toes, elbows, and ears. 

These nodules are a sign of chronic gout and show that the condition has been present for an extended period without adequate treatment. 

Tophi can cause significant discomfort and may require medical intervention to manage effectively. 

Consult a podiatrist if you think you have gout

Recognizing the symptoms of gout and seeking prompt treatment from a podiatrist is key for managing your condition and preventing long-term complications. 

At Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers, our team provides comprehensive care for gout, including the latest treatments to ease pain and inflammation.

Here’s a look at what your gout treatment options may include:

Anti-inflammatory medications

Anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce the pain and swelling during an acute gout attack.

Steroid injections

Steroids can be injected directly into your affected joint to provide rapid relief from inflammation. 

Oral steroid medication

Our podiatrists may prescribe oral steroids to help manage inflammation and prevent further attacks.

Colchicine

Colchicine is a medication that helps reduce the swelling and buildup of uric acid crystals in your joints.

It’s important to follow your Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers provider’s recommendations and make lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of recurrent gout.

If you recognize any of the telltale symptoms of gout, don’t wait to schedule an appointment at an Arlington/Mansfield Foot and Ankle Centers location near you.