Signs of gout in the toe

Gout is an inflammatory joint condition caused by urate crystals collecting in a joint. An attack often starts abruptly, and the skin over the joint may look shiny or feel hot. The base of the big toe is a familiar site, but other toe joints, the ankle, or the knee can also be involved. Symptoms may settle and then return if the underlying problem is not managed.

A painful swollen toe is not enough to confirm gout. Infection, an injury, and other forms of arthritis can look similar. A clinician may use an examination, blood tests, imaging, or joint-fluid testing to distinguish these causes. Conditions such as [Chronic Kidney Disease](/conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/) can affect urate handling, while [Obesity](/conditions/obesity/) may occur alongside gout; neither makes a diagnosis by itself.

Rest the foot, elevate it, and use a cool pack wrapped in cloth for short periods. Drink normally unless a clinician has given you fluid restrictions. Avoid pressing or massaging the joint. Contact a clinician about suitable anti-inflammatory treatment, especially if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcers, heart problems, or take blood thinners. Learn more about [Gout](/conditions/gout/) and track foods, medicines, and illnesses that preceded attacks.

Seek urgent medical care when a hot swollen toe comes with fever, chills, feeling faint, confusion, or rapidly spreading redness, because a joint infection needs prompt treatment. Get assessed soon when pain is severe, the first attack is unexplained, or swelling involves the [Ankle Swelling](/symptoms/ankle-swelling/) or another joint.

Ask whether joint-fluid testing is needed, which pain medicines are safe with your other conditions, and whether urate-lowering treatment is appropriate between attacks. Ask how to recognise infection and what to do if symptoms spread to another joint.