Perhaps you thought you’d simply stubbed your toe. But it’s getting worse — throbbing, swollen and deep red. The pain is sharp and sudden, and that’s when many people realize: It might be gout.

At Getwell Urgent Care in Southaven, we see patients with joint pain like this every week. Our team is here to help you get the answers you need to move forward with confidence.

What gout really is

As the Cleveland Clinic states, gout is a kind of arthritis, but it doesn’t feel like the slow, achy type that builds up over time. It strikes fast. It happens when uric acid builds up in your blood and forms crystals inside a joint. These crystals irritate the joint lining, triggering pain, swelling and heat.

Left untreated, flares can become more frequent and may start to damage the joint. But early care can make a big difference.

What a gout flare feels like

Gout pain usually shows up in just one joint. A swollen big toe is common, but we also see it in knees, ankles and feet. The joint gets red, swollen and painful until even a light touch feels unbearable.

According to the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center, gout pain often peaks within the first 12 to 24 hours, then gradually eases. You may still feel stiff or sore for days afterward. If this is your first experience with symptoms like these, it’s worth getting checked.

When it might not be gout

Gout is not the only reason a joint can begin hurting or swelling up. Other conditions may at first look very similar, such as:

Infection — especially if you have a fever or chills
Sprain or fracture — if the pain started after a fall or twist
Other arthritis types — like rheumatoid or osteoarthritis

If you’re not sure what’s causing your symptoms, that’s a good reason to visit urgent care. We’ll help you rule out more serious conditions and get clear on what’s next.

When to come to urgent care

We treat joint pain like this every week at Getwell Urgent Care. You don’t need a referral or an appointment with us.

Come see us if:

Your joint pain started suddenly and isn’t improving
The joint is red, swollen or extremely tender
You’ve had gout before and think it’s flaring up again
You can’t reach your primary doctor or need faster answers

Urgent care is the right place for many flare-ups, but not all. If you have spreading redness or can’t move the joint at all, head to the ER instead.

What to expect during your visit

We’ll start by asking questions about your symptoms: when they started, what they feel like and what you’ve tried already.

Depending on your case, we may order:

Lab tests to check for uric acid and signs of infection
X-rays to rule out fractures or joint damage
Anti-inflammatory medication to relieve pain and swelling
Guidance for preventing future flares and knowing when to follow up

We’ll also talk through what might have triggered your symptoms, including recent diet, stress, dehydration or medications.

How to manage at home after your visit

After you’ve been treated for gout, these simple steps can help your joint heal and lower your chances of another flare-up:

Drink plenty of water
Rest and elevate the joint
Use ice to bring down any swelling
Avoid alcohol and fatty foods

If pain returns or stays the same after some days, check back in with us as needed.

Gout happens; you don’t have to wait it out

If you’re in pain, waiting to see if it gets worse doesn’t help. At Getwell Urgent Care in Southaven, MS, we make it easy to get seen quickly, avoiding long ER wait times or the need to schedule far in advance.

We’re open every day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and walk-ins are always welcome here. If something feels off, come in today.