Gout Treatment for Big Toe Pain

What You Need To Know About Gout

Learn what causes gout, how it feels, and when to see a podiatrist.

Understanding Gout in the Foot

Gout is a common type of arthritis that most often affects the joint at the base of your big toe. While it is more common among those over 30, people of any age can suffer from this condition. Gout is a disorder that results from the buildup of uric acid in the tissues or a joint.

Gout commonly affects the big toe because uric acid crystallizes at cooler temperatures. Because your toe is the farthest from your heart, it is cooler than the rest of your body. However, gout can affect any joint in the body.

Attacks of gout come on suddenly and can be miserable, causing symptoms such as intense joint pain that occurs abruptly, often in the middle of the night or upon waking; lingering joint discomfort that lasts a few days to weeks after the most severe pain fades; inflammation, including redness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness; and restricted range of motion.

Gout attacks are caused by deposits of crystallized uric acid in the joint. Uric acid is the result of the breakdown of purines, chemicals found naturally in your body and in certain foods and beverages, such as red meat and beer. Some people develop gout because their kidneys have difficulty eliminating normal amounts of uric acid, while others produce too much.

Without treatment, gout can lead to increased pain and joint damage. If you experience sudden, intense joint pain, schedule an appointment with us right away so we can confirm the diagnosis and start treatment.

Treatment and Risk Factors

First, our providers review your symptoms and medical history and examine the affected joint. You may need tests, such as blood work or an on-site digital X-ray, to confirm a diagnosis of gout and rule out other causes of inflammation.

Then, we recommend the best treatment for your specific needs. Initial treatment of a gout attack typically includes prescription medications or injections to treat pain, swelling, and inflammation; dietary restrictions that limit foods and beverages high in purines; drinking plenty of water while avoiding alcohol; and immobilizing and elevating the foot to reduce swelling.

Certain factors may increase your risk for gout, including a family history of gout, high blood pressure, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and kidney disease. Being overweight, consuming meat and seafood high in purines, drinking beer or wine, and using certain medications such as diuretics can also raise your risk.

Symptoms and inflammation usually resolve in three to ten days with treatment. If symptoms continue or repeated attacks occur, maintenance treatment with daily medication may be needed, as the buildup of uric acid over time can cause arthritic damage to the joint.

If you think you are suffering from a gout attack, do not hesitate to call us or request an appointment online so we can help you get back in action as soon as possible.