bone, joint, and muscle disorders
Gout
Symptoms of Gout
Typically during a flare, severe pain occurs suddenly in one or more joints, often at night. The pain becomes progressively worse and is often excruciating, particularly when the joint is moved or touched. The joint becomes inflamed—it swells and feels warm, and the skin over the joint may appear red or purplish, tight, and shiny. Other symptoms of a flare sometimes include Fever A fast heart rate (tachycardia) A general sick feeling Chills (very rarely) The first few flares usually affect only one joint and last for a few days to a week. The symptoms gradually disappear, joint function returns, and no symptoms appear until the next flare. However, if gout progresses, untreated flares tend to last longer, occur more frequently, and affect several joints. If left untreated, later flares can last up to 3 weeks. A person with a flare who has fever higher than 101° F (38.3° C), shaking chills, or any other severe symptoms (for example, weakness, vomiting, a rash, or any shortness of breath) should call the doctor or go to an emergency department, because these symptoms can also be from a joint infection or a different problem entirely. After repeated flares, gout can become severe and persistent and may lead to permanent joint deformity. Over time, joint motion becomes progressively restricted by damage caused by deposits of uric acid crystals in the joints and tendons. 