Just saw my husband’s foot and I’m panicking. It’s huge and red and he says it feels like it’s on fire. Emergency care is hours away. What is this?

While gout can often be managed at home, certain symptoms should prompt immediate medical attention. These include high fever, inability to move the affected joint, or signs of infection such as red streaks spreading from the joint, pus or severe chills. Severe, unrelenting pain that does not improve with medication is also a red flag.

If your husband experiences any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical advice or emergency services even if you are in a remote location. Gout attacks can sometimes lead to complications that require professional intervention.