Different Gout Foot Symptoms

Gout is a form of arthritis that affects primarily the joints of the big toe. It is usually caused by high levels of purine in the body that brings forth swelling, inflammation and extreme pain on the affected joint. This condition can be treated and managed as long as you pay immediate attention to it.

There are no premature gout foot symptoms. There are no noticeable symptoms as the purine crystals start to build up in the joint of the big toe. However, there are some signs when you already have it. Gout foot symptoms include swelling, inflammation and severe pain along the big toe and heel of the foot.

Aside from the gout foot symptoms mentioned above, redness in the affected part as well as warmth along the surrounding skin of the swollen joint are also present. These symptoms can be very irritating because they make standing and walking extremely difficult in most cases.

Below are the most prominent gout foot symptoms:

- Pain along the arch of the foot
- Swelling and inflammation of the foot’s ball
- Ankle swelling and pain is present when gout spreads along the entire foot
- Gout also creeps along the knee and sometimes along the joints of the hands as well as to the other joints of the body

The reason why there are no premature gout foot symptoms is because gout attacks rapidly set in to the joints. It normally takes only a day to start and before you know it you already have it.

In addition, hyperuricemia (presence of high uric acid levels in the blood) is almost always a certainty with gout foot symptoms. Also, tophi (build up of uric acid crystals under the skin mostly along the toes) can be seen. Gout attacks along the foot are usually recurrent. Sometimes they come back after a few months to a year while for chronic gout cases, recurrent attacks are frequent.

Swelling is the foremost gout indication and is a manifestation of purine crystal build up along the joints of the foot. Pain normally accompanies swelling. However, both swelling and pain are not enough to come into a conclusion that you have gout.

Skin discoloration is also a sign of gout. The skin color of the affected toe usually changes considerably from red to purple which is basically the most definitive among the different gout foot symptoms. Along with the swelling and pain, you should immediately consult a doctor if you notice drastic changes in skin color.

Gout can be treated as long as you are familiar with the different gout foot symptoms. To know more about this disease it is best that you talk to your physician.