Gout Information

Gout is a form of acute arthritis that usually affects the joints. However, it may also present itself in one or more of the tendons, in the cartilage or as lumps (known as tophi) under the skin. The condition is characterized by the following symptoms:

tenderness and pain (often severe)
inflammation
swelling
reddening
a mild fever

An attack of acute gout - sometimes called acute gouty arthritis -will normally come on suddenly and swiftly, generally overnight. The affected area will start to feel hot and the skin will become red and appear shiny. Within an hour or so, it may become so painful that even the bedclothes start to feel too heavy. In many cases the individual may also develop a mild fever. The term gout is derived from the Latin word gutta, which means a drop - probably because it felt like red hot liquid dropping on to the area concerned. Gout is recognized as being one of the most painful conditions in medicine.

Although gout is usually associated with the base of the big toe, any joint in the body can be affected, and occasionally it can strike at more than one joint at once. Other areas affected can be the heel, ankle, knee, hand, wrist or elbow. However, it is thought that over half of first attacks affect the big toe. The patient will often limp into the doctor's surgery wearing an open-toed sandal, as contact with shoes or socks can intensify the pain.

If left untreated a mild attack may last for a few days, but a severe attack can persist for several weeks, with some residual pain and discomfort for a further few weeks. After the attack, the area typically returns to normal. However, once the individual has experienced an initial attack, the chances are that other attacks will follow, becoming more painful each time and affecting further areas. In time, the pain will not resolve itself between flare-ups and disability ensues. Fortunately, with diet and lifestyle adjustments - and with medications should you wish to go down that route - the progress of the disease can be halted.