A gout is one of the most common forms of arthritis which can cause a sensation of a sudden burning pain, stiffness and swelling of the joint. Gout normally attacks the big toe and can take place from time to time unless there is proper gout foot pain treatment. Gout can get worse with time and may harm the joints, tendons and other tissues in close vicinity. Gout foot pain affects men more than women.

What are the causes of gout?
An individual is more likely to suffer from gout foot pain if he is obese or overweight, consumes too much alcohol or meat or eats fishes which are high in purine content. Certain medications may also bring about gout.

What are the common signs and symptoms of gout?
Most people suffering from gout foot pain, experience an attack of swelling, redness, tenderness, a throbbing or a sharp pain in the big toe. You may also have gout pain in the ankles or knees or some other joints in the body. The gout attacks can last for a few days or prolong for weeks together. There are also individuals who have gout foot pain but have not undergone any discomfort in months or years at a stretch.

How is gout diagnosed?
If you feel pain in your foot without any reason, it is imperative to consult  an expert to know whether you have gout foot pain. Your doctor would ask you a few simple questions about the symptoms and signs you are experiencing and then conduct a physical examination. In some cases, doctors also extract little amounts of fluids in the joints to look if there’s any instance of crystals of uric acid. This method of diagnosis is the best possible means of determining whether the concerned individual suffers from gout. Your doctor may also suggest you have a blood test to check the level of uric acid in your blood.

How is gout treated?
To help alleviate the pain and discomfort you are experiencing, your doctor would carve out a gout foot pain treatment plan to suit your requirements. First of all, he may  ask you to take a combination of high dosage medications to alleviate the pain in the first place. The dosage would gradually get smaller as the intensity of your gout foot pain reduces. In order to get rid of the gout foot pain, it is very crucial to start the treatment without any further delay.

Your doctor would recommend you take rest and not to use the joint that is affected by gout. You may have to take anti-inflammatory medications if the pain becomes unbearable. The gout foot pain treatment typically comprises of an ongoing medication that helps in bringing down the uric acid buildup in the joints as well as blood.