Gout often presents with sudden “flares” or attacks of very severe pain often in the big toe, ankle, and even the knee. Often the joint affected by gout will also turn red (erythema) and will swell in size. Often, only one joint is affected, however it is possible to have gout cause pain in many joints at the same time. Gout attacks tend to occur most often at night.
The pain from gout is often extreme. Pain and swelling are usually the worst in the first part of the gout attack. Symptoms will often improve within a few days to a few weeks. Once the body is able to stop the inflammatory process the joint will resume its normal size and the pain will stop. There are several treatments that can be performed to help the body in healing a joint that is under attack from gout. If you or a loved one is dealing with gout and need help please reach out to our office by clicking here.