Gout occurs when uric acid accumulates, forming crystals in the joint, causing severe pain and inflammation. Learn about the symptoms and signs of gout, and how to manage them. (1)
Gout Symptoms
In the early stage of gout, there are high levels of uric acid in the blood, and crystals form in the joint, but the symptoms may not be apparent, (1) but as the acid continues to accumulate, gout episodes (attacks) appear, at any time, especially At night. The main symptom is sudden, severe pain in one or more joints, usually in your big toe joint, so severe that it may wake you from sleep. (2)(3)
Other symptoms, which progress rapidly over a few hours, can include: (2)(3)
- A feeling of heat and intense pain in the joint, to the point of being unable to bear anything that touches it, no matter how light.
- Swelling and edema in and around the affected joint.
- Redness and shiny skin over the affected joint.
- Peeling and itching of the skin after the swelling goes down.
- Restriction of movement, difficulty walking or using the affected limb.
- In very advanced cases, the crystals may form painless lumps under the skin, which can be seen and felt.
It is difficult to predict when attacks will occur and how frequently they will occur, but in general they may recur every few months or years, and you will not experience any symptoms in the period between gout attacks. (5)
How long does gout pain last?
The persistence and severity of gout symptoms and pain varies from one attack to another, and generally lasts for a week or two, but the pain is more severe after 12 to 24 hours, then disappears slowly whether painkillers are taken or not, knowing that it may become longer, more intense, and more frequent in the future if not treated with prescribed medications. (5)
Tips to relieve the pain of a gout attack
By making lifestyle changes and following medical advice, you can control gout and live a pain-free life. (3) If you are having a gout attack, you can experience the following during an attack: (6)
- Take analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications you've been prescribed as soon as possible (your doctor will prescribe medications to take only during an attack to reduce pain and inflammation, and others to prevent new attacks by reducing uric acid levels in the body).
- Get some rest and elevate the affected limb to reduce pain and swelling.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas, wrapped in a towel, on the painful area for up to 20 minutes at a time.
- Drink plenty of water to get rid of excess uric acid.
- Try keeping bed covers away from the affected joint at night.
- Do not put pressure on the affected joint, and do not engage in activities that put pressure on it.
To prevent gout attacks in the future, you must adhere to the prophylactic medications prescribed to prevent gout attacks in the future, avoid or limit high-purine foods such as red meat, do not drink alcohol, treat the causative diseases, and see a doctor for regular examination. (6)
When to seek medical advice?
See your doctor in the following cases: (4)
- If you are experiencing the above gout symptoms for the first time.
- If you suffer from severe and worsening joint pain and swelling, accompanied by a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher.
- If you've been diagnosed with gout, and prescription medications don't relieve your pain within two days of an attack.
Do you suffer from gout symptoms? Don't ignore the pain! Make an appointment at the Orthopedics and Traumatology Clinic at Al-Ahli Hospital, to consult a healthcare professional to get relief and prevent future attacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What joints does gout affect?
Gout can affect almost any joint and may occur in more than one joint at the same time. The joints in the extremities are often the most affected, including: (4)
- Toes, especially the big toe joint.
- The middle of the foot, where the shoelaces are.
- Ankles.
- Knees.
- Fingers.
- Wrists.
- Elbows.
If gout is left untreated, it is likely to affect other joints over time. (4)
Does gout cause kidney pain?
If gout is not treated, and crystals collect in the urinary tract, they can form kidney stones and cause pain, and this happens in advanced stages. (3)
