If you suddenly experience severe pain in your big toe with redness and swelling, it is most likely your first attack of gout, especially if these symptoms appear in the middle of the night. This seizure can also occur elsewhere, such as the ankle, knee or wrist.

Anti-inflammatory drugs should relieve this acute crisis. But, in my opinion, it is still important to see your doctor to make the diagnosis. In fact, gout is often a chronic disease, which manifests itself in several acute attacks. If left untreated, it can cause joint and kidney complications.

In the past, having gout was a real calamity (it was very painful!), But today it is usually an easy to control disease. The drugs used to lower uric acid in the blood are very effective and virtually free from side effects. This is usually a long-term treatment.

D^r Jacques Allard, MD, FCMFC