An acute gout attack arrives suddenly — usually at night — causing pain described as one of the most intense pains possible.
Characteristic Symptoms:
- Sudden severe pain: Starts within hours — peaks in 12-24 hours. Some patients can't tolerate a bedsheet touching the joint.
- Swelling and redness: Joint appears swollen, red, and hot — resembles bacterial infection.
- Big toe: Most common location (Podagra) — 50% of first attacks.
- Other joints: Ankle, knee, wrist, elbow, fingers.
- Mild fever: May accompany severe attacks.
Duration:
- Without treatment: 7-14 days then self-resolves.
- With early treatment: 2-3 days only.
- Between attacks: no symptoms (quiescent period).
Important Warning:
The first attack may be confused with bacterial infection — accurate diagnosis is essential to avoid wrong treatment.
At BEIT TARIQ Center, we accurately diagnose gout attacks and start immediate treatment for pain relief.