Staying Safe during Your Workouts

Gout is a challenging inflammatory condition that often requires the help of a professional to resolve. If you've noticed some symptoms in one of your feet that you believe are consistent with gout, find a podiatrist clinic in your area and schedule an appointment. The podiatrist who meets with you will not only be able to determine whether or not gout is affecting you, but they can also help you move forward with multiple treatment options. There are a number of indicators that can alert you to the fact that you may have gout, including these issues.

Big Toe Pain

One of the most obvious signs that you could be suffering from gout is that you've developed a considerable amount of pain in the joint of your big toe. The pain can vary at times throughout the day, but it often remains present. You'll typically be most aware of the pain when you're standing or walking. Often, the pain will be so intense that you don't want to put weight on this part of your foot. You may compensate for the discomfort by changing your gait or trying to avoid spending more time on your feet than necessary.

Swelling

If you have gout, the pain won't likely be your only warning sign. Another issue that you may notice is a considerable amount of swelling around the joint of your big toe. It's good to remove your sock and take a look at the foot in which you're experiencing discomfort. You might be surprised to see that the joint of the big toe is larger than it once was. When you compare the look of both feet, the affected area will often be noticeably larger than the same area on the other foot.

Obvious Heat

Another good way to determine that you may have gout is to place your hand on the sore, swollen area around the joint of your big toe. In many gout cases, this area is warm to the touch. While your entire foot might feel warm, depending on the temperature of your hand, it's common for the area around the joint to feel noticeably warmer than the rest of the foot. These common symptoms can affect your mobility and quality of life, so it's important to get the help you need. Podiatrists are very familiar with cases of gout in their patients and will be able to help you with a reduction of your symptoms.