Do I Have Gout?

Do you have severe attacks of pain in the joints, usually in the joint at the base of the big toe (or sometimes in the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists and fingers)?

Did your symptoms appear suddenly, waking you up in the middle of the night with the feeling that your foot is on fire.

Is your joint swollen, warm, reddish and extremely tender that even the weight of the sheet on it may seem unbearable?

Do you have painful attacks that usually subside for hours to days (your pain is the most severe within the first four to twelve hours after it starts and then the pain slowly subsides)?

Do you have limited range of motion in the affected joint?

Do your symptoms come and go (you have these painful attacks repeated over the years)?

Does your diet include lots of meat and seafood?

Do you drink alcohol daily, beer especially?

Are you overweight?

Are you being treated for other medical condition such as: high blood pressure, diabetes, metabolic syndrome or heart and kidney diseases?

Do you have family history of gout?

Based on your answers you do not have gout.

Based on your answers there is a low possibility for you to have gout. If you have any discomfort or pain in your joints that does not disappear on its own after a few days, be sure to contact your doctor. Various conditions can cause the pain in your joints and some of them may require medical attention and proper treatment.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have gout. Gout is a type of arthritis and it is caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in your joints. Gout usually affects the join in your big toe, but in some cases gout can occur elsewhere (e.g. the fingers, wrist, elbow or knee). Without treatment gout can become a chronic condition and can harm your joint. So, if you experience sudden and intense joint pain be sure to contact your doctor. Gout is treated with medication, but your doctor will advise you to make some dietary and lifestyle changes as well.