What are the symptoms of gout?

A gouty attack is characterized by severe throbbing pain, redness involving the joints. The joint at the base of the big toe is commonly affected. The pain can be so severe that even a blanket touching the skin above the joint or the stream of water falling on the joint can be unbearable. The acute attack may last for 1 to 2 days. With passage of time & progression of gout, it can also involve other joints like ankles, knees & the hand joints. Nodular masses of uric acid crystals may deposit around the finger joints, elbows.

Patient with gouty attack involving the joint at the base of the great toe.

Who is affected by gout?

Men are 8 to 9 times more commonly affected by gout. In women, it usually occurs after menopause.

Does gout run in families?

Yes. Almost 20% of the patients have a family history of gout.

Created on: April 2007

Last updated on: December 2009

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