Gout feels like a sudden, intense, and severe pain in a joint, most commonly the big toe, but it can also affect other joints such as the feet, ankles, hands, wrists, elbows, or knees. The pain often starts suddenly, frequently at night, and can be so severe that even the light touch of a bedsheet feels intolerable. The affected joint becomes hot, swollen, red, and extremely tender, making it difficult to move or put weight on it. Some people describe the pain as if the joint is "on fire" or like "glass shards pressing outward like needles." The pain usually peaks within the first few hours and can last from several days to a couple of weeks if untreated, with lingering discomfort afterward

. During a gout attack, the skin over the joint may appear shiny, bright red, and warm to the touch. The swelling and inflammation can be so intense that normal movement is restricted, and the joint may feel stiff. Gout pain is distinct from other types of arthritis because it comes on very suddenly and is extremely intense, rather than a dull or chronic ache

. In summary, gout pain is characterized by:

• Sudden, severe joint pain, often waking you up at night
• Intense swelling, redness, and warmth around the joint
• Extreme tenderness, even to light touch
• Difficulty moving or bearing weight on the affected joint
• Pain described as burning, stabbing, or needle-like

If gout is left untreated, attacks may become more frequent, last longer, and cause lasting joint damage