* Sustained high levels of uric acid in the blood is a common gout symptom (also see causes of gout).
* Presence of uric acid crystals in joint fluid (see diagnosis of gout).
* Deposits of uric acid crystals around joints and other areas such as the ears.
* Only one or two joints are affected (initially).
* Common affected areas include the feet, ankles and the ball of the big toe.
* Tenderness around an affected joint.
* The skin around an affected joint is red, shiny and painful to touch- a common gout symptom (see gout pictures).
* Moving the affected limb/s becomes painful.
* Chronic gout can lead to decreased kidney function and kidney stones.
Signs of a gout attack
* A rapid onset usually between 12-24 hours and often occurring overnight whilst an individual is resting.
* Fever or chills developing.
* A fast subsidence. Gout attacks normally subside within hours or days.
Gout presenting in the metatarsal-phalangeal joint of the big toe. Note the slight redness of the skin overlying the joint.
tophus of the knee
Tophus of the toe, and over the external maleolus
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