Gout / Pseudogout Quiz
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Pain and swelling in the ankle
Fingers are red and swollen
I can't bend my toes because of both pains
Red blotches on the skin
Hands and feet feel hot
Burning sensation in the joints
Joint pain that is always there
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Gout / Pseudogout?
Gout and pseudogout are diseases caused by inflammation and crystal accumulation in the joints. Gout results from uric acid crystals, while pseudogout stems from calcium pyrophosphate crystals. Both are marked by sudden, painful swelling in one or more joints. Gout attacks can be triggered by eating purine-rich foods like seafood, alcohol, and red meat, while pseudogout may be due to joint injury, surgery, or immune issues.
Typical Symptoms of Gout / Pseudogout
- Warm hands and feet
- Toe pain
- History of gout
- Fingers or toes red, swollen, and stiff
- Warmth in the joints
- Knee pain
- Redness in the affected area
- Pain when exerting physically e.g. climbing the stairs
Diagnostic Questions for Gout / Pseudogout
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Do you have warm hands and feet?
- Are you experiencing toe pain?
- Have you ever been diagnosed with gout?
- Are your fingers or toes red, swollen, and stiff?
- Do you feel warmth in your joints?
Treatment of Gout / Pseudogout
Treatment varies between gout and pseudogout. For gout, doctors may suggest medication to lower uric acid levels and dietary changes. In both cases, anti-inflammatory oral and injected medications can be helpful.
Reviewed By:
Unnati Patel, MD, MSc (Family Medicine)
Dr.Patel serves as Center Medical Director and a Primary Care Physician at Oak Street Health in Arizona. She graduated from the Zhejiang University School of Medicine prior to working in clinical research focused on preventive medicine at the University of Illinois and the University of Nevada. Dr. Patel earned her MSc in Global Health from Georgetown University, during which she worked with the WHO in Sierra Leone and Save the Children in Washington, D.C. She went on to complete her Family Medicine residency in Chicago at Norwegian American Hospital before completing a fellowship in Leadership in Value-based Care in conjunction with the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, where she earned her MBA. Dr. Patel’s interests include health tech and teaching medical students and she currently serves as Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Arizona School of Medicine.
Kaito Nakamura, MD (Rheumatology)
Dr. Nakamura is a rheumatologist who has practiced in the Ota Nishinouchi Hospital attached to Ota General Hospital, National Health Insurance Matsudo City Hospital, Chiba University Hospital, and the National Health Insurance Asahi Central Hospital.
Content updated on Feb 13, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Pain in my toe
- Hot palms and feet
- Limbs feel hot
- Pain in the toes
- Warm hands and feet but no fever
- One or more joints feel warm
- Fever with hot hands and feet
- I have pain in my little toes on both feet
- Only hands and feet are hot
- I have a pain in my right big toe
- Knees hot, no pain
- My big toe hurts
- I have pain in my left toe
- I feel pain in my left toe joint
- Joint pain and redness
See full list
Symptoms Related to Gout / Pseudogout
Diseases Related to Gout / Pseudogout
FAQs
Q.
Sudden Toe Pain? Why Your Joint Swells & Medical Gout Treatment Steps
A.
Sudden big toe pain with redness, heat, and extreme tenderness is often gout caused by uric acid crystals; doctors treat flares with NSAIDs, colchicine, or corticosteroids, and prevent recurrences by lowering uric acid below 6 mg/dL with medicines like allopurinol, febuxostat, or probenecid plus targeted lifestyle changes. There are several factors to consider, including urgent red flags like fever or rapidly worsening pain that may signal infection, and whether long term therapy is needed based on attack frequency, tophi, or kidney stones. See the complete guidance below to understand key steps, tests, and precautions that can shape your next healthcare decisions.
References:
* Khanna D. Acute gout: Diagnosis and treatment. Am J Med. 2019 Feb;132(2):127-130. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2018.09.020. PMID: 30635292.
* FitzGerald JD, Dalbeth N, Merriman K, et al. 2020 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for the Management of Gout. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2020 Jun;72(6):744-762. doi: 10.1002/acr.24180. PMID: 32483868.
* Kuwabara A. Treat-to-Target Management of Gout: A Narrative Review. J Clin Med. 2021 Apr 25;10(9):1869. doi: 10.3390/jcm10091869. PMID: 33923508; PMCID: PMC8123288.
* Tausche AK, Richter A, Glöckner J. Pathophysiology and management of gout: an update. Intern Emerg Med. 2017 Aug;12(5):597-601. doi: 10.1007/s11739-017-1694-y. Epub 2017 Jun 29. PMID: 28666579.
* Pascual E, Sivera F. Diagnosis of gout: a systematic review. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2016 Apr;30(2):220-234. doi: 10.1016/j.berh.2016.08.001. Epub 2016 Apr 5. PMID: 27040449.
Q.
What is Gout? Why Your Joint is Throbbing & Medical Next Steps
A.
Gout is a common, highly treatable inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid crystal buildup that leads to sudden throbbing pain, swelling, warmth, and redness, most often in the big toe. Early diagnosis and care can stop flares and protect joints and kidneys, and next steps may include anti inflammatory medicines for attacks, uric acid lowering therapy, and targeted lifestyle changes, but there are several factors to consider including pseudogout and urgent red flags, so see the complete details below before deciding what to do next.
References:
* Richette P, Bardin T, Doherty M. Gout: an update. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2023 Dec 1;62(12):3739-3751. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead480. PMID: 37737299.
* Choi HK, Neogi T. Gout. N Engl J Med. 2023 Apr 27;388(17):1591-1601. doi: 10.1056/NEJMcp2210212. PMID: 37100062.
* Bardin T, Richette P. Gout. Lancet. 2022 Mar 12;399(10329):1042-1052. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(21)01033-6. PMID: 35279262.
* FitzGerald JD, et al. 2020 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for the Management of Gout. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2020 Jun;72(6):877-894. doi: 10.1002/art.41198. PMID: 32391934.
* Richette P, et al. 2018 EULAR recommendations for the management of gout. Ann Rheum Dis. 2018 Jan;77(1):17-26. doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2017-211665. PMID: 29074794.
Q.
Gout Symptoms? Why Your Joint is Throbbing & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Gout symptoms include sudden, severe joint pain, often in the big toe, with swelling, redness, warmth, extreme tenderness, and limited motion; the throbbing occurs when uric acid crystals trigger intense joint inflammation. Medically approved next steps include early anti inflammatory treatment with NSAIDs, colchicine, or corticosteroids, getting a proper diagnosis, considering uric acid lowering therapy for recurrent flares, adopting diet and hydration changes, and seeking urgent care if fever, chills, rapidly spreading redness, or severe new pain suggest infection. There are several factors to consider, including look-alike conditions like pseudogout and personal risks, so see the complete guidance below to choose the safest next steps.
References:
* Dalbeth N, Merriman TR, Stamp LK. Gout. Lancet. 2017 Oct 28;390(10108):2001-2012. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(16)30388-3. PMID: 28400095.
* Richette P, Doherty M, Pascual E, Bardin L, Barskova V, Berthelot JM, Castaneda J, de la Cruz R, Guerne PA, Jansen TL, Keller H, Le Quintrec JL, Perez-Ruiz F, Zalokar J, Zavodnik J, Zeng X, Edwards NL. 2016 EULAR recommendations for the management of gout. Ann Rheum Dis. 2017 Jan;76(1):29-42. doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2016-209707. Epub 2016 Sep 26. PMID: 27664125.
* Grainger R, O'Hara P, Dalbeth N. Diagnosing gout: A clinical perspective. J Pain Res. 2019 Feb 19;12:619-629. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S179427. eCollection 2019. PMID: 30858718.
* Khanna D, Khanna PP, Fitzgerald JD, Singh MK, Schlesinger N, Dalbeth N, Terkeltaub R, Doherty M, Zeng X, Edwards NL,专业, Arayssi HK, Bae S, Brockwell L, Foxwell C, Gitter R, Harvey B, Kisickas E, Livingston K, Liu CS, Nath SK, Robinson KS, Rodriguez-Mella R, Smith J, Solomon DH, Sundy J, Yood RA, Zel M, Yurgin N, White D, Kaplan S, Daikh D, Sehra R, Ferguson L, Perez-Ruiz F, Taylor W, Choi H, Treadwell EL, Choy E, Lin C, Lanzillo R, Roshon S, Miller A, Yoon G, Thiele R, Indulkar P, Burke A, Chen W, Shiozawa A, Shen P, Lindsley H, Oatis C, Chin D, Dalrymple K, Niu F, Kim S, Agudelo CA. 2012 American College of Rheumatology guidelines for the management of gout. Part 2: Therapy and antiinflammatory prophylaxis of acute gouty arthritis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2012 Oct;64(10):1447-61. doi: 10.1002/acr.21773. PMID: 23097274.
* Ragab G, Elshahaly M, Bardin T. Gout: An old disease in new perspective - A review. J Adv Res. 2017 Sep;8(5):495-511. doi: 10.1016/j.jare.2017.03.006. Epub 2017 Mar 21. PMID: 28741634.
Q.
Is Your Joint on Fire? Why Gout Attacks & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
A sudden, red, swollen, intensely painful joint is often a gout flare caused by uric acid crystals, usually in the big toe, and it is highly treatable with the right plan. Start care promptly with doctor guided anti inflammatory meds, rest, ice, and hydration, and consider long term uric acid control and lifestyle changes to prevent damage and future attacks; there are several factors and urgent red flags like fever that can change your next steps, so see the complete guidance below.
References:
* Singh JA, et al. Diagnosis and management of gout: a review. JAMA. 2022 Jun 21;327(23):2343-2356. doi: 10.1001/jama.2022.9551. PMID: 35727289.
* Abhishek A, et al. Gout: pathophysiology, diagnosis and management. BMJ. 2021 Jun 22;373:n1743. doi: 10.1136/bmj.n1743. PMID: 34158223.
* FitzGerald JD, et al. 2020 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for the Management of Gout. Part 2: Therapy for Acute and Prophylaxis of Intercritical Gout. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2020 Jun;72(6):847-862. doi: 10.1002/art.41168. PMID: 31923049.
* Bardin T, et al. Gout management: an update. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2023 Feb 1;62(2):503-516. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac392. PMID: 36728362.
* Kim SC, et al. Management of Gout: A Narrative Review. Ann Intern Med. 2023 Feb 21;176(2):ITV16766. doi: 10.7326/AITC220025. PMID: 36812239.
Q.
Gout in Women: Symptoms, 30-45 Risks & Your Relief Action Plan
A.
Gout in women ages 30 to 45 is real but often missed, with sudden severe joint pain, redness, and swelling that may affect ankles, knees, wrists, fingers, or the midfoot. Risk rises with perimenopausal estrogen changes, family history, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, PCOS, diuretics, alcohol, and sugary drinks. Relief starts with prompt medical evaluation to distinguish gout from infection or pseudogout, swift flare treatment with NSAIDs, colchicine, or steroids, and long term uric acid lowering plus sustainable diet, weight, and medication adjustments; there are several factors to consider, including red flags and prevention steps that could change your next moves, see below.
References:
* Chinchilla-Barril, D., & Vargas-Hitos, J. A. (2023). Gout in Women: An Update on the Clinical Picture, Treatment, and Gender-Specific Characteristics. *Journal of Clinical Medicine*, 12(11), 3855. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37298634/
* Jeganathan, S., & Haroon, M. (2018). Gout in women: a review of presentation, diagnosis and management. *Rheumatology*, 57(9), 1546-1555. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29788075/
* Kuo, C. F., et al. (2015). Gout in women: an update on risk factors and specific clinical aspects. *Arthritis Research & Therapy*, 17(1), 329. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26597711/
* Kim, Y. T., et al. (2022). Incidence of gout according to age and sex: a nationwide study in South Korea. *Scientific Reports*, 12(1), 1618. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35105953/
* FitzGerald, J. D., et al. (2020). 2020 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for the Management of Gout: Part 1: Systemic Nonpharmacologic and Pharmacologic Therapeutic Approaches to Hyperuricemia. *Arthritis Care & Research*, 72(6), 744-762. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32390232/
Q.
What foods should I avoid if I have gout?
A.
You want to avoid foods high in purines because they get broken down into uric acid which can then lead to a gout flare as the uric acid crystals build up in your joints.
References:
Li R, Yu K, Li C. Dietary factors and risk of gout and hyperuricemia: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2018;27(6):1344-1356. doi: 10.6133/apjcn.201811_27(6).0022. PMID: 30485934.
Zhang Y, Chen S, Yuan M, Xu Y, Xu H. Gout and Diet: A Comprehensive Review of Mechanisms and Management. Nutrients. 2022 Aug 26;14(17):3525. doi: 10.3390/nu14173525. PMID: 36079783; PMCID: PMC9459802.
Schlesinger N. Dietary factors and hyperuricaemia. Curr Pharm Des. 2005;11(32):4133-8. doi: 10.2174/138161205774913273. PMID: 16375734.
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https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1007/s00167-015-3578-8Sullivan, J., Pillinger, M. H., & Toprover, M. (2021). Chondrocalcinosis: Advances in diagnostic imaging. Current Rheumatology Reports, 2021.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11926-021-01044-4Meyer, F., Dittmann, A., Kornak, U., Herbster, M., & ... (2021). Chondrocytes from osteoarthritic and chondrocalcinosis cartilage represent different phenotypes. Frontiers in Cell and …, 2021.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcell.2021.622287/full