Gout is a painful condition in which uric acid crystalizes within the joint. The most commonly affected joint with gout is the big toe joint. Gout presents as an acutely painful joint. The joint is typically warm to the touch and swollen.

When you see your foot doctor, they will take x-rays to evaluate the joint. Following that they will perform a physical examination of your foot. Treatment of gout can include anti-inflammatories, diet change and activity modification. With chronic gout, there are oral medications available to help control the level of Uric acid in your blood. Your foot and ankle physician will discuss varying treatment options with you at your foot and ankle appointment. They will also be able to determine if your symptoms are from arthritis in the joint instead of gout, and they can often present similar.