Your big toe is not only the largest, but also the part of your foot that is most likely to be injured when you stumble or strike your foot against a hard object. Pain will follow immediately, and you might also utter some choice words.
But when pain develops in your big toe for no obvious reason, it’s not something that should be ignored. It could be a sign of gout, a serious condition that requires prompt treatment. The team at Ohio Foot and Ankle Center, led by Aaron Chokan, DPM, and Kristina Minniti, DPM, is here to delve into the signs and symptoms of gout and how to respond.
Gout is a condition that develops when high levels of uric acid within your blood lead to the formation of urate crystals. These crystals have numerous sharp, needle-like sides. When they form within joints, sharp edges irritate the joint's soft tissues, triggering an inflammatory response.
Anyone can develop gout, but your risk increases with age. You also have an elevated risk of this type of arthritis if you have a family history of gout, are overweight, take certain medications, or have had a recent surgery or traumatic injury.
The foods you consume can also contribute to your risk of developing gout. Foods high in purines, such as red meat, organ meats, and seafood like trout, scallops, and anchovies, can make it difficult for your body to process and eliminate uric acid, leading to a buildup that can form crystals.
Unlike many health conditions, gout is relatively clear, with a distinct set of symptoms. When gout develops in the joint of your big toe, intense pain is often the first sign. That pain can escalate quickly, worsening within the first 4-12 hours.
Many people experience a reduction in pain after this initial timeframe, but have lingering discomfort. Gout can flare up again and again, leaving you with a vicious cycle of symptoms.
Additional signs of gout include:
Gout can occur once or become a recurring condition that returns over time. Left untreated, gout can worsen and become more challenging to treat. Eventually, so many urate crystals can develop that they collect in your urinary tract, causing kidney stones.
There are several ways to treat gout. Medication can help manage the pain and swelling that develop with this condition. Some drugs can help reduce the risk of future flare-ups.
Some work by reducing the volume of uric acid your body produces. Others help your kidneys remove uric acid from your body before crystals can develop. These medications carry a risk of side effects, but your practitioner will review all relevant details to help you make an informed decision about your treatment plan.
Any time your body sends pain signals that are not easily connected to a known cause, you should consider seeking professional medical care. While some conditions improve over time, without treatment, an untreated health issue can become more complex and potentially harmful.
Sudden, severe pain in the big toe is often a sign of gout. It brings many Ohio residents to the Canton, Stow, and Rittman offices of Ohio Foot and Ankle Center for a thorough diagnostic assessment and state-of-the-art treatment options.
We’re here to help when pain develops in any area of the foot and ankle. Don’t hesitate to contact our office to schedule a face-to-face visit. We offer easy online booking and phone-based scheduling.
