A hot swollen joint can have causes other than gout
Joint infection can resemble gout and needs urgent treatment.
Seek urgent assessment if you are very unwell
Fever, chills, marked systemic illness or a rapidly worsening hot swollen joint should not be managed from a website.
First or uncertain episodes deserve assessment
If this is the first time, the diagnosis is uncertain, or the presentation is different from your usual flares, medical assessment is appropriate.