What is a common symptom of gout?

A common symptom of gout is swelling around the joints. Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis characterized by sudden and severe episodes of pain, redness, and swelling, most frequently affecting the big toe but potentially impacting other joints as well. This swelling occurs due to the accumulation of urate crystals in the joints, which stimulates an inflammatory response.

In contrast, bone fractures are associated with conditions that weaken bone integrity rather than with gout. Excessive urination could be linked to different health issues, such as diabetes or urinary tract infections, rather than being a direct symptom of gout. Muscle cramps are more commonly associated with electrolyte imbalances or muscle fatigue and do not reflect the typical presentation of gout symptoms. Thus, swelling around the joints is a hallmark indication of an acute gout attack.