Gout is a medical condition brought on by an excessive amount of uric acid in the blood. One of the primary symptoms is acute, sudden pain in a joint -- for most people, this pain centers in the big toe. However, other people feel symptom of gout in an ankle, heel, knee, or wrist. Other symptoms include redness, warmth, and swelling of the affected joint.
Whether symptoms occur in the toe, wrist, instep, or ankle, gout treatment consists of two parts: Initially, the signs of an acute attack need to be addressed. Once those are under control, treatment is designed to prevent future attacks from occurring. In general, medications are used to treat and prevent gout attacks; however, in some cases, lifestyle modifications and dietary changes may be required.
(Click Gout Symptoms and Gout Treatments to learn more about how this condition is identified, the specific medicines used to treat it, and possible side effects.)
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