AANP Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practiotioner Practice

A common presentation of an acute flare of gout is characterized by a red, hot, and swollen great toe, a condition known as podagra. Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that occurs when there is an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. The great toe is particularly susceptible to these deposits, leading to significant inflammation and pain during flares.

During an acute gout attack, individuals often experience intense pain that reaches its peak within the first 24 hours. The affected joint, typically the metatarsophalangeal joint of the great toe, will show signs of redness, warmth, and swelling, which are classic indicators of inflammation. This acute presentation is quite different from the chronic joint stiffness typically seen in other inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.

Other options, while they may describe joint pain conditions, do not align with the typical manifestations of gout. For instance, pain in the knees and hips could indicate various other forms of arthritis but is less characteristic of gout. Sudden back pain after physical activity may relate to musculoskeletal issues rather than gout itself. Widespread joint stiffness upon waking is generally associated with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia, rather than with an acute episode of gout.