Gout in the foot
Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a build-up of uric acid in the joints, and the foot, especially the big toe joint, is the most common place it appears. Your GP diagnoses gout and manages the medicines for it. A podiatrist can help with footwear, pressure on the joint and foot care between attacks. Fiona Shepes assesses gout in an initial consultation from $100, and booking online takes $10 off that initial consultation.
What gout is
Gout is a form of arthritis that happens when uric acid builds up in the body, particularly in the joints. Uric acid forms when the body has difficulty processing purines, which are found naturally in some foods. The build-up can occur when the kidneys struggle to eliminate uric acid, or when the body simply produces too much of it. The tendency to accumulate uric acid is often hereditary. Gout is more common in men and becomes more common with age.
Symptoms
Gout usually starts with a sudden onset of intense pain in one or more joints, most often the big toe joint of the foot.
- Intense, sudden pain in a joint, usually the big toe
- Redness over the joint
- Swelling of the joint
- A warm feeling over the joint
Many patients say the pain arrives in the middle of the night or upon rising in the morning.
Causes and risk factors
A diet high in purines can raise uric acid levels and bring on an attack. Foods in this category include red meats, shellfish, beer, red wine. Some medicines can trigger an attack; ask your doctor.
Stress, infection and trauma are other possible causes. A family history of gout raises the likelihood of attacks, since the tendency to accumulate uric acid is often hereditary.
Treatment at the clinic
Fiona examines the foot and asks about your personal and family history. When gout is suspected she refers you to your GP, who can arrange blood tests and manages the condition. She can refer you for X-ray, ultrasound or MRI when needed, and can refer you back to your GP when your GP needs to manage the condition.
An initial consultation is from $100, or from $90 for a standard consultation. You can see the full price list on the podiatry fees page.
Looking after it at home
During an attack in the toe, elevating the foot can help. Avoid standing and walking where possible. Wear loose footwear until you can be seen by your GP. Drinking plenty of water, eating an appropriate diet and reviewing your current medications with your doctor can reduce the likelihood of an attack or lessen its severity should one occur.
When to see a podiatrist
See your GP promptly when a joint in your foot suddenly becomes very painful, red, swollen or warm, because an infected joint can look the same and needs medical care. See a podiatrist for footwear advice and foot care once the attack has been assessed. See your GP when attacks keep coming back or the joint stays sore between attacks. Your GP or doctor manages any medicines for gout.
Questions
Is gout in the foot the same as gout in the big toe?
Gout in the big toe is the most common form of gout in the foot. The big toe joint is where attacks usually begin, although other foot joints can be affected too.
How do I know if my foot pain is gout?
Gout pain typically starts suddenly, often in the middle of the night or on rising in the morning, with redness, swelling and warmth over the joint. Other joint problems can look similar, so an examination and diagnosis by a podiatrist or doctor is the way to know.
Can a podiatrist treat gout?
A podiatrist can examine the joint, work toward a diagnosis and refer you for imaging or back to your GP when needed. Your GP or doctor manages the medicines that treat the acute attack.