Gout
Gout is a kind of arthritis. It can cause a sensation of sudden burning, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joint (usually the big toe). This can happen over and over again unless gout is treated. Overtime, gout can harm your joints, tendons, and other tissues. Gout is most common in men.
The most common sign of gout is swelling, tenderness, redness, and sharp pain during the night. You can also get gout in your foot, ankle, knee, or other joints. The attacks can last a few days or many weeks before the pain goes away.
Causes
Gout is caused by too much uric acid in your blood. Most of the time, uric acid isn’t harmful. Many people with high levels in their blood never get gout. The problem develops when uric acid forms hard crystals in your joints.
Gout occurs most commonly in the big toe because uric acid is sensitive to temperature changes. At cooler temperatures, uric acid turns into crystals. Since the toe is the part of the body that is farthest from the heart, it is also the coolest part of the body and, thus, the most likely target of gout. However, gout can affect any joint in the body.
Your chances of getting gout are higher if you are overweight, drink too much alcohol, or eat too much meat and fish that are high in chemicals called purines. Some medicines, such as water pills (diuretics) can also bring on gout.
Body Complication
A body complication can be dangerous when it affects everyday nerve, motor and autonomic functions, including the immune system and blood flow.
Great Big Toe Joint Disorder
Hallux rigidus is a disorder of the joint located at the base of the great big toe. It causes pain and stiffness in the joint.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition where the immune system attacks the joint lining tissue, causing painful inflammation and stiffness.
Structural Bone Deformity
A structural bone deformity usually occurs when some of the bones move out of place or a joint is stressed over a period of time.
Symptoms
Contact a doctor immediately if you notice:
- Intense pain that comes on suddenly, often in the middle of the night or upon waking up
- Signs of inflammation, such as redness, swelling, and warmth over the joint
Arthritis
Arthritis is a challenging problem impeding daily activities. It is characterized by chronic pain and swelling, further aggravated by standing and walking.
Burning Sensation
A burning sensation is a type of pain that’s distinct from dull, stabbing, or aching pain and is often related to nerve problems.
Pain On Top Of The Foot
Many health conditions and injuries can upset the foot’s movement and balance, causing problems and pain on top of the foot.
Potential Treatments
The goals of treatment for gout are fast pain relief, prevention of future gout problems, and maintenance of long-term complications, such as joint destruction and kidney damage. Treatment includes medicines and steps you can take at home to prevent future problems.
Specific treatment depends on whether you are having an acute attack or are trying to manage long-term gout and prevent future flare-ups.
To treat an acute attack:
- Rest the affected joint(s).
- Use ice to reduce swelling.
- Consider nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Consider colchicine
- Consider oral corticosteroids
Ankle Arthroplasty (Total Ankle Replacement)
Ankle Arthroplasty, also called Total Ankle Replacement, is a replacement surgery of a damaged ankle joint using an artificial implant.
