Question
Signs/symptoms of gout.
Answers
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. The signs and symptoms of gout can include:
1. **Intense Pain**: Sudden and severe pain in a joint, often starting at night. The big toe (podagra) is the most commonly affected joint, but gout can also affect other joints such as the ankles, knees, wrists, and fingers.
2. **Swelling**: The affected joint may become swollen and tender to the touch.
3. **Redness**: The skin over the affected joint may appear red or purplish and may feel warm.
4. **Limited Range of Motion**: Movement in the affected joint may become restricted due to pain and swelling.
5. **Recurrence**: Gout attacks may recur over time, with the frequency and severity of attacks varying from person to person.
6. **Tophi**: Over time, if gout is not well managed, lumps of urate crystals called tophi may form under the skin. These can develop on joints, cartilage, and in other tissues.
7. **Joint Stiffness**: After an acute attack, joints affected by gout might feel stiff or sore.
If you suspect you have gout or experience symptoms, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management.
1. **Intense Pain**: Sudden and severe pain in a joint, often starting at night. The big toe (podagra) is the most commonly affected joint, but gout can also affect other joints such as the ankles, knees, wrists, and fingers.
2. **Swelling**: The affected joint may become swollen and tender to the touch.
3. **Redness**: The skin over the affected joint may appear red or purplish and may feel warm.
4. **Limited Range of Motion**: Movement in the affected joint may become restricted due to pain and swelling.
5. **Recurrence**: Gout attacks may recur over time, with the frequency and severity of attacks varying from person to person.
6. **Tophi**: Over time, if gout is not well managed, lumps of urate crystals called tophi may form under the skin. These can develop on joints, cartilage, and in other tissues.
7. **Joint Stiffness**: After an acute attack, joints affected by gout might feel stiff or sore.
If you suspect you have gout or experience symptoms, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management.