A common disease characterized by severe joint pain, gout is caused by an excess of uric acid in the blood. In this article, we describe the various symptoms.
Gout is a disease caused by an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. It is caused by an abnormally high level of uric acid in the blood, a blood disorder called « hyperuricemia ».
It manifests itself as extremely painful flare-ups of joint inflammation in the affected joints (any joint can be affected, but most often the big toe). This is known as an « acute gout attack ».
Nearly 2% of the adult population is affected, mostly men for whom the first attack occurs between the ages of 30 and 50. After the menopause, women are as much affected as men. Here’s how the first symptoms manifest themselves.
Intense joint pain
An attack of gout usually occurs at night and causes severe pain in the joints.
In half of all cases, the first area affected is the big toe, which restricts walking and leads to burning, shearing, pressure and, in extreme cases, paralysis.
It can also affect other areas, such as the ankles, knees, elbows and hands (wrists, fingers).
Redness and hypersensitivity
Purplish redness and swelling begin to appear in the area, which becomes hypersensitive to touch (even touching a sheet can be painful). In the case of the foot, it becomes impossible to put on shoes.
Fever
Gout attacks are generally accompanied by recurrent fevers. They are not necessarily intense, but can be complicated to manage on a day-to-day basis (headaches, sweating, extreme fatigue, chills, nausea).
Itching
The skin in the affected area may end up itching. This itching and tingling is caused by inflammation. In more severe cases, skin dryness and even bleeding can occur.
Chronic gout
Generally, the attack disappears on its own after a few days, but in rare cases symptoms may persist, appearing months or even years later. This is known as chronic gout.
This occurs when blood levels of uric acid remain high, eventually deforming joints and restricting fluidity of movement.