Gout has symptoms similar to arthritis.

Gouty arthritis usually begins by affecting a single area. The big toe is the joint that is most commonly affected first. Other areas of the body that are readily affected are the instep, ankle, knee, wrist, and elbow. In rare instances the hip, spine, and shoulder are involved. The pain becomes progressively more severe, usually over a few hours, and is often excruciating. Swelling, warmth, redness, and exquisite tenderness may suggest infection. The overlying skin may become tense, warm, shiny, and red or purplish. Fever, tachycardia, chills, and malaise sometimes occur.

Chronic gouty arthritis can cause pain, deformity, and limited joint motion similar to rheumatoid arthritis.