Common Foot Problems » Gout

Gout is the result of an imbalance of uric acid in the body, and affects more men than women. Gout is a form of arthritis.

 

The main symptom is waking up in the middle of the night with an acute throbbing pain in the big toe, which is swollen. Usually only one of the big toes is affected. The pain lasts for around three or four hours and will then subside and usually not return for a few months. It can be controlled by drugs, which your GP will be able to prescribe. The application of ice or cooling lotions will help during an acute phase.