Gout typically manifests as sudden, intense pain in one or more joints, often starting in the big toe. This pain can come on rapidly, sometimes waking individuals from sleep with its severity.
Affected joints may become swollen, red, and tender to the touch during gout flare-ups. The swelling is caused by inflammation in the joint, which occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate and trigger an immune response.
The skin over the affected joint may feel warm to the touch due to inflammation. This warmth is a result of increased blood flow to the area, as the body's immune system responds to the presence of uric acid crystals.
Gout can cause stiffness and difficulty moving the affected joint, leading to a reduced range of motion. The inflammation and swelling associated with gout can make it painful or uncomfortable to bend or flex the joint fully.
Some people with gout may experience peeling or shedding of the skin around the affected joint during flare-ups. This can occur as a result of the inflammation and swelling associated with gout, which can disrupt the normal healing process of the skin.
In advanced cases of gout, chalky deposits of uric acid crystals called tophi may form under the skin around the joints, causing lumps or nodules.
Gout flare-ups can sometimes be accompanied by a low-grade fever. This is a sign that the body's immune system is responding to the presence of uric acid crystals and the inflammation they cause.
Gout attacks can be exhausting, leading to feelings of fatigue and malaise. The intense pain and discomfort associated with gout can disrupt sleep patterns and make it difficult to rest comfortably.
The pain and discomfort associated with gout can make it difficult to sleep, leading to insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns. Many individuals with gout report difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position.