Gout in the foot

A frequent manifestation site, i.e. a place where the symptoms of gout occur, is the foot. The metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe is particularly affected. Especially in acute attacks of gout, strong pain can occur, which can severely limit the affected person.

The pain occurs more frequently at night, but can last for several days and make walking more difficult. Chronic gout disease can also lead to so-called gout tophies on the big toe. These are nodules in the area of the joint, which leads to swelling of the foot.

Gout attacks

Gout disease is often chronic, with recurrent attacks of gout. An acute attack of gout causes severe pain in a single joint, which is independent of any stress on the joint. Typically, swelling, overheating and redness of the joint occur.

The pain often occurs at night and subsides within a few days. Painkillers, such as ibuprofen or diclofenac, can help with an acute attack of gout. Local cooling of the affected joint can also relieve the acute pain.

How often and how long should I use the household remedies?

The frequency and length of use of home remedies for gout depends on the severity of the symptoms. In principle, all home remedies can be taken over a longer period of time. If there is a medically prescribed therapy, the use of the home remedies should be discussed. This is important, for example, when using turmeric, because a corresponding dose can affect other medications.

What should be avoided?

There are various triggers and risk factors that play a role in gout disease.

This includes, for example, a diet with a lot of meat and offal. Fish and seafood, as well as legumes, can also promote an attack of gout.
Furthermore, excessive alcohol consumption plays an important role in gout. Now and then a gout attack occurs also when fasting.
Too much local cooling can lead to the development of acute gout, but is also used in acute therapy, where the benefits of pain relief outweigh the disadvantages.