Gout

The main symptom of goutis asudden attack ofsevere pain in one or more joints,typically your big toe.

Other symptoms can include:

• the joint feeling hot and very tender, to the point ofbeing unable to bear anything touching it
• swelling in and around the affected joint
• red, shiny skin over the affected joint
• peeling, itchy and flaky skin as the swelling goes down

The intense pain can make getting around difficult. Even the light pressure of a bed cover or blanket can be unbearable.

Which jointscan beaffected?

Gout can affect almost any joint and can occur in more than one joint at the same time.

The joints towards the ends of the limbs tend to be affected more often, including the:

• toes particularly the big toe joint
• midfoot (where your shoelaces sit)
• ankles
• knees
• fingers
• wrists
• elbows

If gout is left untreated, it'slikely to affect more joints over time.

Pattern of symptoms

Attacksof gout tend to:

• occur at night, although they canhappen at any time
• developquickly over a few hours
• last between three and 10 days after this time, the affected joint should start to return to normal, but the problem can persist if treatment isn't started early
• come backyou mayexperience attacks every few months or years
• become more frequent over time if not treated

It's difficult to predict how often attacks will occur and when exactly they will happen.

When to seek medical advice

See your GP if you suspect you have gout and it hasn't been previously diagnosed.

Contact your GP immediately or call NHS 111 if you have both:

• severe, worsening joint pain and swelling
• a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above

This could mean you have an infection inside the joint ( Septic arthritis ).

If you've alreadybeen diagnosed with gout and you have an attack, see your GP ifany medication you've been prescribed doesn't start working within a couple ofdays.

and treating gout .