Gout

Gout

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

The hallmark symptom of gout is a sudden, severe attack of pain, redness, swelling and tenderness in a joint, often the first toe. Inflammation also can occur in the knee, ankle, foot, hand, wrist and elbow. Gout typically occurs quickly in only one joint at a time, but symptoms may occur in two or three joints simultaneously.

Deposits of uric acid, called tophi, can appear as lumps under the skin around the joints and at the rim of the ear. Occasionally, uric acid collects in the kidneys and forms stones.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007