Beware of Gout Symptoms That Appear in the Feet

Illustration of the symptoms of gout. (Freepik/suriyautsuriya)

JAKARTA - Uric acid is a waste product formed when the body breaks down purines, natural substances found in food and body cells. When uric acid levels in the blood are too high and the kidneys cannot properly excrete it, it builds up and forms crystals in the joints.

This buildup most often occurs in the feet, especially the big toe, and causes characteristic and painful symptoms.

Here are 5 symptoms of gout that can be seen in the feet, as reported by the Times of India.

1. Sudden and Severe Joint Pain

Pain is the most common symptom and usually appears suddenly, especially at night. The pain often feels sharp or burning, and most often occurs in the big toe joint.

It feels like something is stuck in the joint. The pain is sudden and so intense that it can be difficult to walk.

Other areas that can be affected include the ankle, heel, or other toes. This intense pain can sometimes lead a person to believe they have suffered a serious injury.

2. Redness and Swelling Around the Joint

The affected joint will appear red, swollen, and warm to the touch. This is the body's reaction to uric acid crystals, which it perceives as foreign objects.

The joint will appear swollen and red. It will feel hot, similar to severe inflammation. This swelling can make the skin appear shiny and feel very tight. These symptoms often occur along with pain.

3. Stiffness and Sensitivity in the Feet

Due to inflammation, the affected joint becomes stiff and difficult to move. Even the light touch of a sock or sheet can be extremely painful. They cannot wear shoes because the big toe is stiff and very sensitive. The slightest touch immediately causes pain.

If not treated promptly, this stiffness can lead to permanent limitation of movement in the joint.

4. Recurrent Attacks (Flares)

Gout symptoms are not a one-time occurrence. Many sufferers experience repeated attacks known as flares, which are pain and swelling that come and go.

After a few weeks of relief, the attacks can return, sometimes more severe than before. Without proper management, these attacks will become more frequent and damage more joints.

5. Lumps on the Feet

In chronic, untreated cases, hard lumps called tophi appear. Tophi contain uric acid crystals and can grow around the toes, heels, or ankles.

Hard lumps on the feet are a sign that gout has been left untreated for too long. This can cause tissue damage and deform the feet. In some cases, tophi can rupture and cause infection.