Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Causes Gout in the Big Toe?

A.E. Freeman
A.E. Freeman

Gout is a type of arthritis that commonly occurs in the big toe. It can also cause pain in the ankles, knees, and elbows. A buildup of uric acid that develops into crystals is the cause of gout in the big toe. A person is more likely to get gout in the big toe if he is obese or overweight, drinks too much alcohol, or is on certain medications. Some people also have a genetic propensity to produce excess uric acid.

Many people have high levels of uric acid in their blood but still do not get gout in the big toe. The human body produces uric acid when it breaks down purines, which are found in the body and also come from foods such as asparagus and mushrooms. Typically, the uric acid travels from the blood to the kidneys and out of the body in urine. In some cases, the kidneys do not pass enough uric acid into the urine so that it builds up and crystallizes in the joints, leading to gout. Eating too many foods that are high in purine can cause uric acid to build up as well.

The hard uric acid crystals are what cause pain from gout in the big toe. The crystals can cause sudden, intense pain in the big toe or another joint. The toe may swell and turn red. Pain from an attack of gout can last for months or years.

Full fat dairy products can exacerbate gout.
Full fat dairy products can exacerbate gout.

Certain lifestyles and conditions can increase a person's levels of uric acid and increase her risk for gout in the big toe. Drinking more than a moderate amount of alcohol, meaning more than a two drinks daily for a man or one daily for a woman, can cause uric acid buildup that leads to gout in the big toe. Someone who eats too much food or who gains weight quickly is at a greater risk for developing gout than someone who doesn't.

Foods like mushrooms can increase purines in the body, which may lead to gout.
Foods like mushrooms can increase purines in the body, which may lead to gout.

Chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol increase a person's chances of getting gout. A person may also inherit an inability to process uric acid properly, leading to crystallization and buildup in the body. Diseases such as leukemia can also cause uric acid buildup in the body.

Certain medications increase the levels of uric acid in the body, which can lead to gout. Just as high blood pressure can cause gout, so can the medications taken to treat it, especially diuretics, or water pills. Taking aspirin can also increase levels of uric acid in the body, leading to uric acid crystals and gout.

Discussion Comments

mobilian33

You shouldn't assume you have gout because you are having big toe pain and other possible gout symptoms of the big toe. I was having toe pain and swelling in my foot and everybody told me it was gout, but it turned out to be bunions. The doctor said the bursa sac in my foot was inflamed and causing the problem. I was happy it was not gout.

I had to wear special foot supports and I started wearing wider shoes. Sometimes bunions have to be treated with surgery. I was glad I didn't need surgery. There are also other foot conditions that can look like and feel like gout.

Drentel

I have an aunt and a an uncle who have gout and big toe joint pain. My aunt has been overweight most of her life so maybe that is why she has the disease. My uncle is not overweight, but he does like to drink so maybe that is why he has the problem. I'm hoping it is not something that is in my family and I'm going to get it.

Anyway, they both have tried a lot things. My aunt has a list of all the foods she can't eat, and it is a long list. Some of the foods you would never expect. She has to stay away from leafy green vegetables, nuts, beef and a lot more good foods. She still has attacks sometimes. When she is having an attack she can't do anything but sit down or lie in bed.

My uncle says that the only thing that works for him is alfalfa capsules that his doctor gives him. He has tried other medicines, but he says the alfalfa is the only one that has worked for any length of time.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Full fat dairy products can exacerbate gout.
      Full fat dairy products can exacerbate gout.
    • Foods like mushrooms can increase purines in the body, which may lead to gout.
      By: Africa Studio
      Foods like mushrooms can increase purines in the body, which may lead to gout.
    • Uric acid is involved in the development of gout in the big toe.
      By: Alila Medical Media
      Uric acid is involved in the development of gout in the big toe.
    • Those with gout should avoid eating sardines, because they are rich in purine.
      By: Picture Partners
      Those with gout should avoid eating sardines, because they are rich in purine.