Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by uric acid crystals building up in a joint. Gout symptoms include sudden, severe pain, redness, warmth, and swelling, most often in the big toe. A flare can be treated quickly to ease the pain.

What Is It

Uric acid builds up when the body makes too much or does not remove enough. Red meat, shellfish, alcohol, sugary drinks, dehydration, and some medicines can trigger a flare. Gout is more common in men and after menopause. Flares often start at night.

Symptoms

Sudden, severe joint pain, often at night
A red, hot, swollen joint
The big toe is most common, but ankles, knees, and wrists can be affected
Pain so bad that even a bedsheet hurts
Stiffness after the pain eases
Repeat flares in the same joint

Not sure it’s gout? A red, warm area of skin that is spreading may be cellulitis. Pain after a twist or fall may be a sprain.

Treatment

At your visit: A provider examines the joint, and an X-ray may be taken. Anti inflammatory treatment calms most flares. A very hot joint with fever needs a check for infection. Long term uric acid control is managed with primary care.

At home:

Rest and raise the joint
Ice for 20 minutes at a time
Drink plenty of water
Avoid alcohol, red meat, shellfish, and sugary drinks during the flare

Most gout flares improve within 3 to 7 days with treatment.

When to Get Care for Gout

Watch at Home

A mild flare like past ones, improving with your usual treatment
Able to walk

Come to Urgent Care Today

A first possible gout flare
Severe pain that is not easing
A flare not improving after 2 to 3 days
Flares that keep coming back

Go to the Emergency Department

A red, hot, swollen joint with fever and chills
Feeling very sick with joint pain
Several joints swollen at once with fever

FAQ

What are the first signs of gout?

The first sign of gout is usually sudden, severe pain in one joint, often the big toe, with redness, warmth, and swelling that starts at night.

What triggers a gout flare?

Gout flares are triggered by red meat, shellfish, alcohol, sugary drinks, dehydration, and some medicines like water pills.

How long does a gout flare last?

A gout flare usually lasts 3 to 10 days. Treatment started early shortens the flare. Drinking water and limiting alcohol may help prevent the next one.

What helps gout pain fast?

Anti inflammatory medicine, rest, ice, and raising the joint help gout pain fastest. Prescription treatment works best when started early.

Can urgent care treat gout?

Yes, urgent care can treat a gout flare. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can examine the joint, and X-ray is available on site. No appointment or referral is needed.

When is joint pain an emergency?

Joint pain is an emergency when a red, hot, swollen joint comes with fever and chills, which can be a joint infection.

Last reviewed October 2026