How do you tell the difference between an arthritic flare-up and gout?

How do you tell the difference between an arthritic flare-up and gout?The first and second joints on my left index finger absolutely kill! They are swollen and the movement is diminished.
I am hoping it's only osteo-arthritis.

EGD
gout usually affects big joints - knees or ankles.

rheumatoid arthritis usually affect smaller joints - fingers.

there are, of course, exceptions.

deadhead
My brother has gout. It affects his feet. Tender, sore, very painful to walk and stand.

nnppcc
Your doctor can do blood work to check the uric acid levels in your body.

SavvySue
In gout, the joints are warm to the touch.

icunurse85
Maybe you should stop trying to play bird dog. I know you don't have a tail so you use your finder to point instead and when you stand and point for so long I am sure it gets stiff. Does Advil help? If it does then it is most likely not gout.

What do you think? Answer below! Gout - information, symptoms and treatments. Googout.info health information factsheet - advice on gout and its symptoms, causes and treatment, plus prevention through diet.

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