1. Acute Onset of Joint Pain
Gout pain usually comes on suddenly, frequently in the big toe. The sufferer may simply awaken in the morning or the middle of the night with acute pain that is not preceded by a notable injury or trauma. Occasionally, the ingestion of rich, heavy foods a day or two earlier may be involved, or heavy alcohol intake may have initiated the acute episode.
2. Extreme Tenderness to Touch
The pain of gout is often severe, described as “burning,” “throbbing,” “crushing,” or merely “excruciating.” The slightest touch to the affected joint is extremely painful, as is any flexion or jarring of the affected joint. The person is compelled to walk on the heel of the affected foot, pointing the toe in the air so that nothing touches or moves it. When the ankles or knees are affected, walking becomes next to impossible.
3. Hot, Red, Shiny Skin
When a joint is affected by gout, the overlying skin becomes tight, shiny and swollen, and a dark, dusky redness emerges. The condition usually only affects a single joint, but as the condition progresses, further episodes may affect more than one joint. The severity of the inflammation can also produce systemic symptoms, such as a mild fever with a general state of malaise.
About this Author
Dr Jill Stansbury is a Naturopathic Physician in Washington state with 20 years of clinical experience. She lectures and writes widely throughout the US to share her research and experience in the use of natural and preventative medicines.
