Gout is an arthritic condition commonly
found in the first metatarsopharangeal joint,
but can also occur in the ankle, heel and knee,
as well as in the joints of the arm. It has
a rapid, extremely painful onset and is
associated with symptoms of severe pain in
the joint, swelling and warmth, red and shiny
skin, mild fever and firm, white lumps
beneath the skin (urate crystals called tophi).
Gout can easily be mistaken for cellulitis
because of similar symptoms, but is always
associated with the joint (unlike cellulitis,
which is less localised). Blood tests will show
raised urate levels in gout and raised white
cell and C-reactive protein levels in cellulitis