Embarrassing Illnesses

It is difficult to predict when an attack of gout will occur. Symptoms can develop rapidly over a few hours, and will usually last for between 3-10 days. After this time, the joint will start to feel normal again, and any pain or discomfort should eventually disappear completely.

The primary symptom of gout is acute (sudden and severe) joint pain, usually in the joint of the big toe. Symptoms will often develop during the night, although they can occur at any time. Other symptoms of gout include:

• inflammation,
• red and shiny skin over the affected joint,
• peeling, itchy and flaky skin over the affected joint, and
• swelling.

The intense pain that gout causes can make walking and getting around difficult. Even the light pressure of a bed cover, or blanket, can be painful.

70% of people will experience their first gout attack in the big toe, and 90% of those with gout will experience pain in this joint at some point. However, although gout is most common in the big toe, it can affect any of your joints. It can also occur in two or more joints at the same time. Affected joints may include:

• heels,
• ankles,
• knees,
• fingers,
• wrists, and
• elbows.

The sooner symptoms are treated, the more quickly the pain will pass. You may experience symptoms every few weeks, months, or years, but it is impossible to predict when the condition will recur. 62% of people experience a repeat attack of gout within a year. However, some people will only ever experience one attack in their lifetime.