Symptoms of gout
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Use this guide will help you track your gout flares as well as important tests related to gout and kidney disease. Bring this guide with you to your doctor visits so you can work together to figure out a gout treatment that makes sense for you.
Although many people have their first gout attack in one of their big toes, gout attacks can also happen in other joints. Some of the symptoms of gout include:
Pain
Tiny, sharp crystals build up under the skin around your joint, causing pain that can be severe. The pain is usually at its worst during the first 12–24 hours of the attack.
Swelling
Your joint may swell, meaning it will increase in size or look puffy. A gout attack in your joint may look like swelling from an injury.
Redness
Your joint may appear red in color.
Warmth
Your joint may feel hot — as if it is giving off heat. It may be warm to the touch. Some people describe gout pain as feeling like their joint is on fire.
Stiffness
In more severe cases of gout, your joint may feel stiff. This feeling can develop over time after several gout attacks, especially if you have chronic gout.
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