Anyone had Gout in their big toe joint before?

[Roadtravelled]

Why take pharmaceuticals with side effects when there is a perfectly good natural solution?

Because sometimes ”natural cures” won’t work.

Unfortunately, I get it far too often so I’m on Allopurinal. If I do get a flare up I either take (a lot of) Aleve or Colchicine which helps reduce the problem pretty darn fast. In years past I took Indomethacine, but that caused a ton of stomach issues (for many). These home treatments may be affective for someone who gets it once in a blue moon, or for the first flare up, but the underlying issue requires more immediate and effective treatment.

Over the years I’ve tried lots of home remedies from Tart (or Black) Cherry Juice, Cherry supplements and even Apple Cider Vinegar (shots) and they don’t work... well for me that is. If the flare is up bad, I’ll even resort to putting my foot in an ice bath to numb the area. It helps but in the end medicine is needed to get rid of it. Now each case can be slightly different from person to person but one should visit your GP so that you can treat and monitor your case.

 

[Roadtravelled]

If You get a flare up, try to recall what you had eaten that may have caused it. As others have said, diet is very important to monitor. Alcohol, meat(s) and shellfish are the main culprits, but there are other foods that can cause a build up of uric acid. For me, alcohol is it even though I don’t drink too often. Pork more than Beef (or Chicken) is another culprit… damn you Homer for calling pigs ”the magical animal” but it’s just so damn delicious (especially sausages). Also years ago, I had a personal trainer who had me take a bunch of different supplements during my time with them and one was a fat burner. I believe that that may have led to me getting flare ups far more often than I used to as fat burners are NOT good for your kidneys (or your liver).

 

[Goodoer]

Also be careful not to get dehydrated.

Be wary of medicine conflicts/interactions. I’m staring at a bottle of Colchicine pills that I cannot take due to interaction risk.

At times, I wonder if breaking your toe/foot would be less painful than a Gout flare up?

 

[shack]

I remember Jiggs from the old Bringing Up Father comics was always getting gout.

 

[rhuarc29]

Why take pharmaceuticals with side effects when there is a perfectly good natural solution?

Diet changes only have a mild effect on gout, from what I've researched. If you're only getting a gout attack once every couple years, maybe it'd be effective. But otherwise it may not cut it.

Beyond this, there seems like not enough research has been conducted on diet triggers. Seafood and red meat especially are often considered the boogeymen for gout, but sweet drinks high in fructose may actually be worse (as fructose gets processed in the body, purines are produced). As the Western diet is high in fructose, I suspect that is a big reason for the spike in gout cases. Keep in mind, we've been consuming high fructose corn syrup in large doses for decades now, and it seems like gout flares may be an unexpected consequence.

 

[shakenbake]

Been there. Done that.

See your doc. There are prescription meds.

Indomethacin seems to work well in my case. Big toe joint, sometimes an index finger can give pain. Drink lots of water and avoid food with purines. Sometimes, they prescribe allopurinol to reduce uric acid in the blood.

 

[Alexis*]

If you're experiencing severe inflammation, it would be a good idea to visit your doctor and get a stronger anti inflammatory. Naproxen is more effective and tordol is even more so. You need to take these with food, though.

 

[aghy0sa6x]

Yeah, complete healing takes a while. I was thinking how long it takes to get out of the acute phase when it's really, really sensitive. The point where it's not totally gone but it's tolerable and you can start doing some normal activities.

In my case for those two weeks normal activities were pretty much out of the question. Only the last couple of days maybe there was a small phase where it was still hurting but I could manage to walk normally.

Another doctor once offered me something steroidal if I had to walk around a lot, so that seems to be an option if you really need to suppress it quickly for work or for other obligations. I could mostly work from home so I declined. Most common anti-inflammatory meds are non-steroidal if I understand correctly

 

[shack]

In my case for those two weeks normal activities were pretty much out of the question. Only the last couple of days maybe there was a small phase where it was still hurting but I could manage to walk normally.

Another doctor once offered me something steroidal if I had to walk around a lot, so that seems to be an option if you really need to suppress it quickly for work or for other obligations. I could mostly work from home so I declined. Most common anti-inflammatory meds are non-steroidal if I understand correctly

Thanks.

 

[The Oracle]

Investigation of the Effects of Dimethyl Sulfoxide in Experimental Gout with Comparison of Dexamethasone and Indomethacin

Investigation of the Effects of Dimethyl Sulfoxide in Experimental Gout with Comparison of Dexamethasone and Indomethacin - Pharmaceutical Chemistry Journal

Gout arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis characterized by increased serum uric acid and accumulation of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in soft tissues. The treatment for gout arthritis is centered on reducing uric acid agents with long-term and anti-inflammatory agents during attack times...

link.springer.com

DMSO might be an alternative for those who can't find relief through other more conventional means...

 

[Zoot Allures]

Definitely see a doctor. Get a proper diagnosis (I’m sure there are many other things that can cause a swollen painful big toe that you have not thought of, nor has Dr Google) and get proper treatment.

Go to a podiatrist foot doctor as they can prescribe a chiropodist cannot

 

[shakenbake]

Go to a podiatrist foot doctor as they can prescribe a chiropodist cannot

Even a family physician can help. My doctor is taking care of me for my gout. Or, even a walk-in clinic. Gout is not rare.

 

[einar]

Hurts like hell. Drink plenty of water and cranberry juice. My flare-up only lasted once, years ago, but getting up and down stairs was rough. It was like there were little leprechauns stabbing my big toe with needles. They weren't cheery elves, they were mean.

 

[The Mechanic]

Funny you should mention it, right now I have it in my left wrist and my right knee. Went to the hospital Friday morning, I thought I was dreaming I was the only one in the waiting room from registering to getting my prescription filled ( Colchicine) took an hour and 10 minutes. As of Sunday morning I’m feeling about 80% better thank God for medication and science! And to heck with the side effects.

 

[hungry]

If you're experiencing severe inflammation, it would be a good idea to visit your doctor and get a stronger anti inflammatory. Naproxen is more effective and tordol is even more so. You need to take these with food, though.

NAPROXEN IS ALEVE

 

[William St]

Had this since Sunday, joint behing big toe is red, swollen, hurts even topush on it gentley

Research points to gout on dr google

Anybody have any experience, especially how to make it go away

There are various drugs you can use short-term to clear up the inflammation, but Allopurinol is the miracle drug for gout. It lowers your uric acid levels to manage the condition long-term. See your doctor, or head for the nearest hospital emergency room. They'll prescribe an anti-inflammatory and order a urine test to find out if Allopurinol is warranted. Your doctor may refer you to a rheumatologist. Good luck with it.

 

[William St]

went to doc yesterday, yep got Colchicine

started last night

yesterday most of my foot was swollen and pain in the toe next to the big one

fingers crossed this medicine will at least make it more tolerable quickly

I used it when I had a bad attack. It worked fast. Take a couple a day for the first view days. But Allopurinol is the longer-term solution.