How to Spot Symptoms of Chronic Gout

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis. Gout flare-ups occur when uric acid builds up in the connective joint tissue. Uric acid is produced during digestion to help break down proteins and is usually passed through the urine. People who have gout do not filter the uric acid through the liver and kidneys properly causing it to crystallize in the joint tissue. When this happens it onsets a gout attack. Chronic gout is the consistent onset of gout flares over an extended period of time. Gout occurs more commonly in men than in women. It is largely associated with certain diets containing rich ingredients. Here are some signs to help you identify gout flares.

Instructions

Identifying Gout Attacks

• 1

  Look to see if there is swelling. Swelling and pain in the big toe are a common symptom of a gout flare up. It may also be present in the ankles, fingers, wrists, or knees. However, the big toe is the most common location for a gout attack.

• 2

  Notice if there is a change in color. Redness in the swollen area is another indicator you are experiencing an attack of gout.

• 3

  Feel the burn. Fever and heat at the location of the swelling and feeling hot to the touch indicate a gout flare.

• 4

  Touch the area. Extreme tenderness in the affected joint area is indicative of gout.

• 5

  Feel the pain. Most often there are no warning signs before a gout flare-up but when there are they include pain and soreness in the ankle, heel, or big toe before the attack.