Gout in the Big Toe: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
What is gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a build-up of uric acid in the body. This can lead to small crystals forming in and around your joints, causing sudden pain, swelling and redness. Gout can be acute and short term, or chronic and recurring.
Gout most commonly affects the big toe, but it can also affect the ankles, feet, knees and other joints.
What are the symptoms?
Common symptoms of gout include:
Sudden, severe joint pain, often overnight
Swelling, redness and warmth around the joint
Extreme tenderness, even from light touch or pressure
Difficulty walking or putting weight on the affected foot
An attack can last several days to a couple of weeks. For the subtle signs that a flare-up may be starting, see our guide to the early warning signs of gout flare-ups.
What causes gout?
Gout occurs when uric acid levels in the blood become too high. This can be influenced by:
Genetics
Being overweight
Dehydration
Alcohol
Certain foods, including red meat and seafood
Salty, high-sodium foods
The kidneys not clearing uric acid efficiently
How is it diagnosed?
In most cases gout can be diagnosed in clinic by a GP or podiatrist, based on your symptoms and a physical examination. If there is uncertainty, a blood test may be needed, or a small amount of fluid may be drawn from the joint for testing.
How is gout treated?
Treatment aims to reduce pain and swelling during an attack and to prevent future attacks. This can include:
Anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and swelling
Rest and ice to help manage symptoms
Medication to lower uric acid levels, if needed, to prevent future attacks
Drinking enough water and making changes to your diet may also help reduce the risk of future attacks.
Before taking anti-inflammatories, it is very important to discuss your medications with your doctor, podiatrist or pharmacist, especially if you already take other medications.
How a podiatrist can help with gout
Gout in the feet can make walking and finding comfortable shoes difficult. A podiatrist can:
Assess your foot and ankle pain and help work out whether gout is a likely cause
Recommend footwear with enough depth and width to avoid pressure on a sore, swollen joint
Use padding or offloading to reduce pressure on the affected area
Help manage longer-term foot changes linked to repeated attacks, such as a stiff big toe joint or firm lumps under the skin (tophi)
Work with your GP so your foot care and medical treatment fit together
Can gout be prevented?
Not always, but the risk of further attacks can often be reduced. With the right treatment, gout can often be managed successfully.
If you experience repeated attacks, your doctor may recommend long-term medication to keep uric acid levels low and help prevent further joint damage.
When should you seek help?
If you develop sudden joint pain, redness and swelling for the first time, seek medical assessment. A hot, swollen joint can also be a sign of a joint infection, which needs urgent treatment.
If you have recurring foot or ankle pain that may be related to gout, our podiatrists in Albany Creek can assess your symptoms and discuss suitable management options with your doctor. Book online or call us on 07 3088 6116.
