I Woke This Morning With The Big Toe On My

Posted on Sat, 17 Nov 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 18 Nov 2018 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I woke this morning with the big toe on my left foot stiff and swollen and very sore as though I had stubbed it. I did not do anything like that. I is getting worse and I can't put on a shoe now.

Answered by Dr. Ornela Ademovi (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Gout most probable cause

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for trusting us with your health related questions.

I understand your concern. Painful swelling of the big toe, not associated to trauma, is in most cases due to gout. Gout is basically increased blood levels of uric acid which turn into crystals in the joints, especially the big toe, causing irritation, pain and swelling. So checking uric acid levels is first thing in order. In order exclude other causes, such as arthritis or soft tissue infection you will also need to have an x ray and/or ultrasound, as your primary care doctor will see fit.

In the mean time, a high dose pain killer such as Advil or Tylenol, good hydration and ice packs will help manage the pain and swelling.

I hope this answers your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T