When joint symptoms need urgent help
Prepared 2026-10-29 · Read as Markdown
Seek urgent medical assessment for sudden joint pain and swelling with fever, chills, feeling unwell, worsening pain, or inability to eat. Use emergency care for severe illness or rapidly worsening symptoms. Do not wait to finish an online questionnaire. [S03] [S08]
A joint infection can look like gout
Septic arthritis is an infection in a joint. It can cause damage and needs prompt treatment. You can have gout and infection together. A previous gout diagnosis, a high urate result, or even identified crystals does not rule infection out. Infection can also occur without fever. S03 S05 S08
A first painful, swollen joint, or an episode that differs from your usual pattern, needs assessment rather than an assumption that it is gout. S03
Tell the team about relevant recent events
Mention a wound or skin infection, a recent operation or joint injection, a joint replacement, and medicines that suppress the immune system. Explain when symptoms started and how quickly they changed. These details help the clinician assess the situation; they are not a home checklist for ruling out infection. S03 S05
A new rash while taking allopurinol
Stop allopurinol and seek prompt medical advice for a new rash or other suspected hypersensitivity symptoms. Blistering or peeling skin, mouth or eye involvement, facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or severe illness requires emergency assessment. Advice to continue allopurinol during an ordinary flare does not apply to a suspected serious drug reaction. S09
Possible colchicine overdose or serious toxicity
Get immediate medical help for a possible overdose. Do not wait for symptoms. Do not take extra tablets because pain persists. Interactions and kidney or liver problems can increase the risk of serious toxicity. S10
This page cannot tell you that a swollen joint is safe to manage at home. If you are concerned about infection or a serious medicine reaction, seek care. S03 S09 S10