Gout is a complex but common form of arthritis. It can affect anyone and is characterized by severe, sudden attacks of pain, tenderness in one or more joints (usually in the big toe), redness, and swelling. Gout pain can start suddenly and is experienced mostly at night. As a result, the impacted joint experiences swelling, heat, and sensitivity to the point where even the slightest pressure from a bedsheet can feel unbearable.

Gout symptoms can fluctuate or vary in intensity over time, but you can consult your doctor for treatments to prevent flare-ups and manage the symptoms.

Signs and symptoms
Typically gout pain is severe and may happen suddenly. Some of the signs associated with the gout attack are as follows:

• Swelling
• Intense pain
• Redness or discoloration
• Burning sensations in the joints
• Tenderness, even at a light touch
• Stiffness

How long does gout pain last?
Typically, a gout attack may last for a week or two. You might have some flare-ups that last longer than others, and some might induce more severe symptoms. Between the two attacks, you might not experience any signs.

Causes
Gout usually develops in people with high uric acid levels from purine breakdown. Purines are natural chemical present in every body cell. However, some foods, such as sugary sodas, also contain purines. Uric acid builds up in the body because the kidneys cannot excrete it as they must, or you eat a high-purine diet. It may result in the formation of needle-like crystals that lodge in joints, causing severe, sudden swelling and pain.

Most gout attacks peak after a day or two and then go by themselves, regardless of whether you treat them. While some people may have a single gout attack in their lifetime, others may experience one every few years. When the gout attacks are recurrent, and you do not take measures to treat them, they last longer and involve more joints. Further, the symptoms aggravate over time. Some people might also develop tophi, large uric acid crystal masses in the bone or soft tissues around the joints that appear as hard lumps.

Home remedies and treatment for gout

Drink plenty of water
When someone has gout, they may experience significant inflammation and swelling. One way to reduce flare-ups is by drinking water or fluids. When you increase your fluid consumption, kidneys release excess fluid and lower swelling. Besides water, you can also include other fluids like herbal teas or broths.

Applying ice to the affected joints
Ice compression can also help with gout-related inflammation. Apply a cold object or an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel for about 20-30 minutes to ease the pain.

Reducing stress
Stress can aggravate gout symptoms. It may not be possible to eliminate all stress sources. However, some things can help with stress management, such as meditating, journaling, taking time off, exercising, or reading your favorite book. Getting adequate rest can also help with stress.

Elevating the affected joint
Gout causes swelling and pain, especially in the ankles, knees, and feet. One way to reduce it is by elevating the affected joints. It pushes fluid and blood away from the joint and back toward the heart. Using elevation with an ice pack can also lower the gout symptoms.

Other treatment options
Doctors may recommend surgery to someone with a significant abnormality, extreme pain, or severe infection. Some common surgery options include tophi removal, joint replacement, and joint fusion.