Gout is a common disease that causes sudden, severe pain in one or more joints—often the big toe. It happens when too much uric acid builds up in the body, forming sharp urate crystals in the joints. Along with redness, swelling, and joint pain, some people also report feeling sick or having a fever during a gout flare. This can raise concern, especially when symptoms seem worse than usual.

This article explains if gout can cause a fever, what it might mean for your health, and how to respond if it happens.

Gout is a painful form of inflammatory arthritis that often shows up without warning. It commonly affects one or more joints, usually starting in the big toe, and can recur frequently if not appropriately treated. Over time,  repeated gout flare-ups can lead to joint damage, kidney stones, or advanced gout.

Gout occurs when the body produces too much uric acid or cannot remove enough of it through the kidneys. As uric acid levels build up in the blood, sharp uric acid crystals begin to form.

These crystals settle in the joints and trigger painful inflammation and swelling, often in the metatarsophalangeal joint of the toe. This condition is called gouty arthritis or crystal-induced arthritis.

Acute gouty arthritis usually begins suddenly and leads to severe joint pain, swelling, and tenderness.

Gout flare-ups often come on quickly and cause severe discomfort, especially in the joints. Knowing the key symptoms can help with diagnosing gout early and managing it before it progresses to chronic gout or causes lasting damage.

Watch for these common symptoms of a gout attack:

• Sudden, sharp joint pain that often starts at night

• Swelling and redness in the affected joint

• Warmth and tenderness in the joint, especially in the big toe or toe joint

• Pain that becomes worse with movement or touch

• Limited range of motion due to joint stiffness

• Painful joints that feel swollen and tight

• In some cases, multiple joints may be affected during a gout flare

• Increased uric acid level in the blood during or after an acute attack

Most people recognize the symptoms of gout, such as joint pain, swelling, and redness. But many wonder, can gout cause a fever? While it's not one of the most common symptoms of gout, a fever can occur during a severe flare and might point to something more serious.

Fever is not among the most common symptoms of gout, but it can occasionally occur during acute attacks. When a fever happens during a gout flare, it may point to another issue—such as an infection—and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

The body’s immune response to uric acid crystals can lead to inflammation in the affected joint. In some cases, this increased immune activity may be accompanied by a low-grade fever. As uric acid deposits irritate the synovial fluid, the body might react with mild flu-like symptoms, especially when uric acid levels are very high.

A high fever during a gout flare is uncommon and may be a sign of septic arthritis, a serious joint infection. This condition can appear similar to acute gouty arthritis but requires immediate medical attention.

If your temperature rises above 100.4°F (38°C) and is accompanied by severe joint pain, chills, or confusion, seek care right away. Diagnostic tests such as a blood test, joint fluid analysis, white blood cell count, and C-reactive protein levels can help identify whether the symptoms are due to infection or gout. These tests are especially important for people with risk factors like kidney disease or weakened immune systems.

Feeling slightly unwell during a gout flare isn’t unusual. Some people report mild fatigue or discomfort as part of the body’s inflammatory response. However, body aches or flu-like symptoms are not well-established signs of gout and may point to another condition.

A significant drop in energy, a high fever, or feeling very ill is not typical of a gout flare and should be taken seriously. This is especially important if the flare involves multiple joints or if the disease has progressed into advanced gout.

People with other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or high blood pressure should stay alert during gout flare-ups and contact a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen.

If you’re having a gout flare along with a fever, it’s essential not to ignore it. While mild symptoms may be part of the body’s response to inflammation from uric acid crystals, some signs could point to a more serious problem, like infection or advanced gout. Knowing what to look for can help prevent complications and support better disease control.

Recognizing early warning signs during a gout flare is key to avoiding health risks. These symptoms may suggest an infection or that the gout is affecting multiple joints, especially in cases of chronic gouty arthritis or polyarticular gout.

Call your doctor immediately if you notice:

• Fever above 100.4°F (38°C)

• Chills, sweating, or shaking

• Confusion or trouble staying awake

• Severe joint pain that doesn’t get better with rest or anti-inflammatory treatment

• Painful joints that are red, hot, swollen, and getting worse over time

These symptoms could indicate septic arthritis or complications in patients with gout, especially those with kidney disease or other risk factors.

If the fever is mild and there are no signs of infection, you may be able to manage the symptoms at home. These steps may help lower your uric acid level and reduce joint inflammation caused by too much uric acid.

Follow these steps during a gout flare with a mild fever:

• Rest the affected joint and avoid extra pressure, especially on the big toe or metatarsophalangeal joint

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and support uric acid processing

• Apply a cool compress to the joint to help reduce swelling and discomfort

• Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) if recommended by your doctor

• Avoid red meat, alcohol, and other high-purine foods that can raise uric acid levels

• Track your temperature and symptoms to watch for any changes

• Call your doctor if the fever continues or the symptoms of the gout flare worsen

In some cases, fever and gout symptoms may not improve on their own. Medical evaluation is essential to rule out other conditions, like infections, or to confirm the clinical characteristics of advanced gout.

Reach out to your doctor if you experience:

• Fever lasting more than 48 hours or rising above 100.4°F (38°C)

• Joint pain spreading to one or more joints or becoming more intense

• Swelling, redness, or warmth that continues to get worse

• Signs of infection, such as fatigue, confusion, or elevated white blood cell count

• A history of septic arthritis, kidney disease, high blood pressure, or rheumatoid arthritis

• The need for a blood test, synovial fluid analysis, or imaging to help with diagnosing gout or another condition

Prompt care can help prevent gout attacks from turning into long-term issues like chronic gout, uric acid deposits, or joint damage.

Gout doesn’t just cause painful joints. Over time, repeated gout attacks can lead to joint damage, kidney stones, and chronic gouty arthritis. Without proper management, some people with gout may develop advanced gout, where multiple joints are affected, and long-term damage may occur. Keeping your uric acid level within a healthy range is key to reducing flares and preventing long-term complications.

Preventing gout flare-ups starts with managing the factors that raise uric acid in the body. Daily habits and diet choices play a significant role in how gout affects your health.

Here are some helpful tips to prevent gout flare-ups:

• Limit high-purine foods such as red meat, organ meats, and certain seafood

• Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol, especially beer, which may raise uric acid levels

• Stay well-hydrated to support kidney function and help maintain healthy uric acid levels

• Take medications as prescribed to keep your blood uric acid level stable

• Ask your doctor about using low-dose aspirin, as it may affect uric acid levels

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on joints and lower the risk of flare-ups

• Manage chronic conditions like high blood pressure or kidney disease, which can increase gout risk

Simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference for patients with gout. These strategies can help lower the chance of acute gout attacks and improve overall disease control.

Try these lifestyle changes to help manage gout:

• Exercise regularly to support joint health and reduce body weight

• Choose low-purine meals including vegetables, fruits, and whole grains

• Cut back on alcohol and avoid red meat when possible

• Avoid crash dieting or fasting, which can raise uric acid suddenly

• Control your blood pressure and monitor other chronic conditions

• Watch your portions and reduce your intake of certain foods that increase uric acid

• Stay consistent with treatment and visit your family medicine provider for follow-ups

Tracking symptoms can help your doctor identify patterns and make informed decisions about your treatment. Monitoring can also help identify clinical manifestations and flare triggers before they lead to acute attacks.

Here’s how to monitor your gout symptoms effectively:

• Record the date and time of each flare to spot trends over time

• Write down what you ate or drank before symptoms began, especially certain foods high in purines

• Track your pain levels and note if it affects one or more joints

• Watch for added symptoms such as fever, swelling, or stiffness in the metatarsophalangeal joint or other areas

• Share this information with your doctor to support clinical decisions and long-term disease control

• Look for patterns linked to high uric acid or risk factors like stress, dehydration, or too much uric acid in the blood

Staying aware of these triggers can help prevent gout attacks and support better long-term outcomes.

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Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body, leading to sharp crystal deposits in the joints. While symptoms like joint pain, redness, and swelling are common, some people may also experience a mild fever during a gout flare. However, a high fever is not typical and could be a warning sign of a more serious condition, such as septic arthritis.

Understanding the difference between a standard gout flare and a possible infection is critical. Early recognition allows for timely medical care, which can help prevent complications like joint damage, uric acid deposits, or kidney stones. Tracking your symptoms, managing uric acid levels, and following your treatment plan can improve outcomes and reduce the frequency of flare-ups.

If you experience unusual symptoms or a high fever during a gout episode, don’t delay seeking medical advice. Staying informed, taking action early, and working closely with your healthcare provider is key to protecting your joint health and maintaining long-term control of gout.

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new dietary supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking other medications. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

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