Gout hurts. Gout is painful. It can come on quickly and really hurt, especially when it affects the big toe joint in the foot.
An old teacher of mine once told me that if you put a finger in a bench top vice grips and tighten it as much as you can, then that is rheumatism. If you then give it another half turn then that is gout.
During a gout attack, the joint may also become red, swollen, and tender to the touch. Even the slightest pressure on the joint can be extremely painful. Gout attacks often occur at night and can last for several days to weeks, with the pain gradually subsiding over time.