Doctor, I think I have gout!

Gout is one of the most painful medical conditions. It occurs suddenly and is exquisitely painful. It’s not unusual for patients with moderate to severe pain to assume that they have gout, but they are frequently mistaken. You’ll notice from the picture below that gout has a particular appearance, not unlike an abscess or infection. Clinical impression, history and a blood test are necessary for a diagnosis. Treatment is not complicated, and relief is rapid. The sooner you’re treated, the sooner you’ll feel better.