Gout symptoms include swelling, stiffness, redness and a feeling of warmth in the affected area - usually the large joint of the big toe. These gout symptoms are usually accompanied by a sudden, unexpected, excruciating pain. The pain associated with gout is so intense that it has been compared to bone injuries and childbirth.

Gout symptoms often come on very rapidly, there are no early warnings or signs that an attack will start. Sometimes a fever will accompany the gout onset. Gout attacks usually last up to ten days, and then the symptoms will subside until the next gout attack occurs. The length of the gout attack usually stays consistent regardless of the treatments that are applied. Over time, the gout attacks usually increase in severity and length and may also spread to other joints in the body.

The affected area usually swells so much that it causes the skin to be tender and sore to the touch. The area is so sensitive that even the smallest amount of pressure or any type of object may cause excruciating pain for the patient. Additionally, pain is experienced when the joint is moved because crystals have formed within the joint.

When the uric acid crystals have formed within the joint, intense swelling can occur because the crystals are surrounded by white blood cells which release chemicals that cause inflammation. This process causes pain, redness and heat in the tissue of the affected area.

In chronic gout, masses of uric acid crystals may deposit in soft tissue areas around the body. These nodules can be found anywhere on the body, and have been found in places such as the ears and vocal cords.

Gout is usually located in the joint of the big toe, at the base where the toe meets the main portion of the foot. But it can also affect other areas. Some of the common locations for gout symptoms are the instep, knee, ankle, other toes, elbows, heel, spine, wrist, and fingers.