Symptoms of gout in the big toe
Disease description:
My mother-in-law's thumb has become red and swollen. We are unsure whether this is gout. Could you please tell us, Doctor, what are the symptoms of gout in the big toe?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Tiesheng
Gout symptoms in the big toe include redness and swelling of the joint, severe pain, limited mobility, localized warmth, and skin changes.
1. Joint redness and swelling: The joint of the big toe will show obvious redness and swelling. This is due to deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint, which triggers an inflammatory response, causing congestion and edema in the surrounding tissues.
2. Severe pain: During a gout attack, the big toe experiences intense, sharp pain, similar to cutting or biting. This pain usually occurs suddenly and even minor touching can exacerbate it.
3. Limited mobility: Due to pain and swelling, movement of the big toe is significantly restricted. Patients may feel strong resistance when walking or attempting to bend or straighten the toe, and sometimes normal walking becomes impossible.
4. Localized warmth: During a gout attack, the joint of the big toe may feel warm. This is a manifestation of the inflammatory response; inflammation accelerates local blood circulation and enhances metabolism, thereby generating heat.
5. Skin changes: The skin around the affected joint may become red, smooth, or shiny. These skin changes are caused by the inflammatory response and deposition of uric acid crystals.
In daily life, patients with gout should avoid consuming high-purine foods, drink plenty of water to promote uric acid excretion, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid excessive fatigue and joint injuries.
