4 Gout Symptoms You Should Know About

3. Swollen Joints

Swollen joints occur when the fluid in the tissues around the joints increases. Different forms of arthritis, infections, and traumas cause joint swelling. Gouty arthritis is characterized by significant joint pain, edema, warmth, and redness, particularly in the big toe (about 50 percent of cases). Gout creates a painful, swollen joint that can be so painful that the weight of bed sheets might be uncomfortable. When gout develops, it normally affects just one joint, although it can sometimes affect many joints.

Uric acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body, crystallizes in the joints, producing inflammation and discomfort. The crystals may also deposit in other places, forming nodules under the skin or kidney stones. Swollen joints are not all treated the same way. Swollen joint treatment varies depending on the cause or diagnosis.