Gout is a widespread and complex form of arthritis characterized by sudden, intense bouts of pain, swelling, and tenderness in one or more joints, most often the joints in the big toe. Below are some must-know information about gout.
The cause of gout is a chemical called uric acid that accumulates in the blood.
Numerous other joints might also be affected, despite the fact that it is mostly a foot issue.
Regular discomfort in the big toe and transient, acute bursts of redness, pain, and swelling in one or more joints serve as distinguishing characteristics.
The big toe frequently feels like it’s on fire when the patient wakes up in the middle of the night due to gout episodes.
Even the weight of the bedsheet could feel painful because of how hot, swollen, and sensitive the afflicted joint is.
If not treated promptly, gout can be dangerous. Both the pain and the potential joint injury might worsen.
Moreover, kidney stones could result from it. Patients with gout may develop kidney stones if uric acid crystals block their urinary pathways.
Kidney stones might potentially be prevented with medication.
Early identification and treatment are vital to prevent discomfort and consequences. If you have a fever and a hot, swollen joint that could indicate an infection, get medical help right away.
You can learn more about the various critical gout symptoms and signs starting on the next page.
Here are the various critical gout symptoms and signs you should know about.
6. Tender Joints
Gout frequently affects the big toe but it can affect any joint. Other joints that are typically affected include the ankles, wrists, fingers, and knees.
The pain is likely to be at its worst four to twelve hours after it begins.
Acute gout attacks are characterized by sudden onset of pain in the affected joint, along with warmth, swelling, a reddish hue, and palpable tenderness.
For instance, the big toe is so delicate that simply touching a bedsheet might hurt.
5. Joint Redness
When the body produces an excessive quantity of uric acid and the kidneys are unable to filter it, the tiny, pointed crystals grow in and around the joints.
The buildup of uric acid in the blood results in redness of the joints. As a result, the affected joints swell and turn red.
Unfortunately, the region around the joints is quite painful. This is known as an attack or flare-up of gout.
A flare-up, which is often called a flare, is a period of time in which the symptoms of an illness recur or intensify.
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