Gout Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

Acute Gouty Arthritis

Sudden onset of severe pain in an inflamed joint, usually starting in the big toe
Joints that are red, hot, swollen, and very tender
Increased pain 24-36 hours after the onset of symptoms

Gout of the Big Toe

Recurrent Gouty Arthritis

Most people with gout have another attack within two years. This attack may affect many different joints. With recurrent gout, tophi can form. Tophi are chalky deposits of uric acid that commonly occur in the elbows and earlobes.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. A sample of fluid from the affected joint will be taken. This fluid will be tested for uric acid crystals.

Other tests may include:

Blood and urine tests—to measure the level of uric acid in your blood and to assess kidney function
X-ray —a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body, especially bones; used to check for joint destruction

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.