Gout Symptoms

• Sustained high levels of uric acid in the blood is a common gout symptom (also see causes of gout).
• Presence of uric acid crystals in joint fluid (see diagnosis of gout).
• Deposits of uric acid crystals around joints and other areas such as the ears.
• Only one or two joints are affected (initially).
• Common affected areas include the feet, ankles and the ball of the big toe.
• Tenderness around an affected joint.
• The skin around an affected joint is red, shiny and painful to touch - a common gout symptom (see gout pictures).
• Moving the affected limb/s becomes painful.
• Chronic gout can lead to decreased kidney function and kidney stones.

Signs of a gout attack

• A rapid onset usually between 12-24 hours and often occurring overnight whilst an individual is resting.
• Fever or chills developing.
• A fast subsidence. Gout attacks normally subside within hours or days.

Conditions which can precede a gout attack

• Dehydration.
• Injury to a joint.
• Fever.
• Excessive eating - certain foods can increase uric acid levels (see causes of gout).
• Heavy Alcohol Intake.
• Recent Surgery.
• Stress