Recognizing Gout: Key Symptoms and Indicators

Gout presentation can differ among individuals, ranging from periodic attacks to persistent chronic symptoms. Some experience flare-ups that come and go over days or weeks, while others face continuous discomfort. Due to overlapping signs with other joint conditions like arthritis, gout is often not immediately diagnosed.

The main symptoms include:

Development of Tophi
Before the first flare, small nodules called tophi can form on the affected joints such as fingers, toes, elbows, or ears. These chalky or yellowish deposits of uric acid crystals appear under the skin, often preceding other gout symptoms.

Joint Pain
Intense pain, especially in the big toe (known as podagra), is a hallmark of gout. Pain can also affect the wrists, fingers, elbows, ankles, or knees, often accompanied by tenderness and limited movement due to inflammation.

Warmth and Swelling
Inflammation from uric acid buildup causes affected joints to become warm and tender. As the attack progresses, the joint may become hot and swollen, contributing to significant discomfort.

discoloration of skin
Swelling and inflammation can give the joint a reddish or purple hue, sometimes mistaken for infection. This change results from bursae inflammation around the joint tissues.

Itchy and Peeling Skin
During a gout flare, affected skin often appears shiny, red, and itchy. As symptoms subside, peeling skin may develop, signaling the end of an attack.