Usually gout develops after a number of years of buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints and surrounding tissues.

Symptoms will include:

• Warmth, pain, swelling and extreme tenderness in a joint, usually the big toe.
• Pain that starts in the evening and is so intense that the lightest pressure is intolerable.
• Rapid increase of discomfort in the joint, that may last for hours.
• The skin around the affected joint may peel or feel itchy.
• Red or purplish skin around the affected joint.
• Limited movement in the affected joint.

How long does an attack last?

• Mild attacks may stop after several hours or last for 1 to 2 days.  These attacks are often misdiagnosed as tendinitis or sprain even though there was no trauma or overuse.
• Severe attacks may last up to several weeks, with soreness lasting for 1 month
• Most people have a second attack of gout within 6 months to 2 years after their first attack by there may be intervals of many years between attacks.  If untreated, the frequency of attacks usually increases with time.