Expert Foot & Ankle Treatment from Michigan’s #1 Podiatrist - Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist
Foot Gout Pain
Big Toe & Ball of the Foot Causes & Best Treatment
Did you know that nearly 90% of gout attacks occur in the big toe joint or around the ball of the foot? This painful condition can strike suddenly, making even walking unbearable. In this guide, we break down the most common causes of foot gout, why it targets the toe, and reveal the most effective treatment options available—so you can get back on your feet with confidence.
Foot Gout Symptoms:
- Learn how to identify gout and make completely sure that this is what you have going on!
- Foot gout is arthritis that appears one morning out of nowhere!
- The joint is red, hot, and swollen leading; you can tell this apart from other types of arthritis because it is never gradually or slowly on the setting.
This is an example of a gouty tophus in the big toe joint. We find that almost all gout that we see is in the big toe joint. This is a very rapid onset overnight. A podiatrist can help you get rid of this pain as quickly as possible!
Foot Gout Causes:
- Gout is caused by the buildup of a chemical compound called uric acid.
- This is a normal DNA date breakdown product in people, but some people can’t metabolize it. They can’t pee it out fast enough.
- That’s really the problem of gout. It is a complex chemical process that is very tough to understand.
- The bottom line is, gout is the buildup of a crystal compound called uric acid. This almost looks like sugar inside your big toe joint.
- It can happen in other joints, but 90% of the time, it is inside the big toe joint.
- We see it in the smaller toes, the second toe, third toe, fourth tone fifth toe. It can also happen in the ankle joint or the top of the foot.
- These are the causes of gout in the foot in the big toe joint.
Is this due to my gout diet?
- The two things you want to avoid while you are susceptible to gout. His drinking alcohol and being dehydrated.
- Gout is due to something called uric acid.
- Meats and seafood usually metabolize this.
- So, if you are prone to gout, you need to eat less meat and seafood while drinking alcohol and not being hydrated.
- You can even help yourself out quite a bit by drinking a lot of water.
- The bottom line is I don’t be dehydrated while eating a lot of protein and DNA-containing substances such as seafood and meat. These are high-risk foods, and these will put you at risk going into the future.
- If you have more than three gout attacks is worth seeing your podiatrist or primary care doctor for long-term medication to prevent gout attacks.
- This is because gout can be excruciating. So stop gout in your foot in your toe.
Gout Diagnosis & Symptoms.
Foot Gout Pain Home Treatment:
The best initial treatment for gout is to call your podiatrist. Sorry for the stupid answer, but it is the truth!
- I know this is a cheap answer, but it’s the truth, you do need medications.
- The best medications are oral steroids or a medication called colchicine.
- This is not something you can solve very quickly by putting an exercising or stretching.
- This is a painful sugar-like substance built up in your joint. This is almost like a razor blade slicing apart your joint. Every time-dependent. That’s why exercise and stretch as well.
- It does make sense to elevate the joint and get some ice on it to minimize the pain, but it will still hurt quite a bit.
- So this is an unfulfilling answer for you, but you do have to get some medication.
- The best bet is if you have had a prior gout attack, talk to your podiatrist and have some oral steroids or some anti-inflammatories on hand.
- This is unfortunately what is needed because this is a medical disorder that does need a strong cure.
Best Gout Supplements:
- Use these at your own risk, but they do have great reviews!
- The studies are not definitive on supplements, but people are very loyal to these.
- Please read the reviews on Amazon and give them a try.
- Just make sure to check with your podiatrist before taking any medications!
Gout Supplements & Medication
Top rated gout specific cream on Amazon
Top rated cherry concentrate supplement.
Great Tumeric based anti-arthritis supplement.
Top rated overall Amazon anti-arthritis topical cream.
Price:
Price not available
$20.95
$23.97
$30.99
Overview:
There are not many topical gout specific relief creams. This is the one with best results!
This has 3,000+ near 5 star reviews, there are some studies there supporting it.
Top rate Tumeric based arthritis supplement, About 3,000 near 5 star reviews on Amazon.
Top rated overall arthritis topical cream. Over 30,000+ near 5 star reviews between all sizes!
Pros:
Excellent overall reviews, not much other options for specific gout designed creams.
Great overall reviews, good reviews, people swear by this.
This is one that patients definitely swear by. The reviews are excellent near 5 star levels with thousands of reviews.
Some of the best overall reviews on Amazon in total, long track record, lots of loyal followers.
Cons:
The scientific literature is not very strong regarding these creams.
The results are not thought to be instantaneous, like most supplements, the evidence is not overwhelming.
Like most supplements, the studies are not overwhelming, but there is some evidence for sure.
This is not gout specific, this is overall arthritis specific.
Important Tips:
Use these at your own risk, these are anti-inflammatory creams with great reviews, but not strong scientific literature!
Make sure you read the reviews and do your research, but they do have great overall results with many people that swear by it!
Some patients swear by this stuff, there is mixed evidence, but if you are in severe pain and trust the reviews, it can help!
Like any natural supplement, the research is lacking, do your own research and check with your doctor!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Gout Supplements & Medication
Top rated gout specific cream on Amazon
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
There are not many topical gout specific relief creams. This is the one with best results!
Pros:
Excellent overall reviews, not much other options for specific gout designed creams.
Cons:
The scientific literature is not very strong regarding these creams.
Important Tips:
Use these at your own risk, these are anti-inflammatory creams with great reviews, but not strong scientific literature!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Gout Supplements & Medication
Top rated cherry concentrate supplement.
Price:
$20.95
Overview:
This has 3,000+ near 5 star reviews, there are some studies there supporting it.
Pros:
Great overall reviews, good reviews, people swear by this.
Cons:
The results are not thought to be instantaneous, like most supplements, the evidence is not overwhelming.
Important Tips:
Make sure you read the reviews and do your research, but they do have great overall results with many people that swear by it!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Gout Supplements & Medication
Great Tumeric based anti-arthritis supplement.
Price:
$23.97
Overview:
Top rate Tumeric based arthritis supplement, About 3,000 near 5 star reviews on Amazon.
Pros:
This is one that patients definitely swear by. The reviews are excellent near 5 star levels with thousands of reviews.
Cons:
Like most supplements, the studies are not overwhelming, but there is some evidence for sure.
Important Tips:
Some patients swear by this stuff, there is mixed evidence, but if you are in severe pain and trust the reviews, it can help!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Gout Supplements & Medication
Top rated overall Amazon anti-arthritis topical cream.
Price:
$30.99
Overview:
Top rated overall arthritis topical cream. Over 30,000+ near 5 star reviews between all sizes!
Pros:
Some of the best overall reviews on Amazon in total, long track record, lots of loyal followers.
Cons:
This is not gout specific, this is overall arthritis specific.
Important Tips:
Like any natural supplement, the research is lacking, do your own research and check with your doctor!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Control Inflammation:
- The best options are to see your podiatrist.
- Gout is best served with good medications like colchicine or even oral steroids.
- But make sure your doctor evaluates your gout and makes sure that is what it is!
- Consider the following options at your own risk!
Anti-inflammatories:
- Motrin, Ibuprofen or even indomethacin can work great.
- If you know a podiatrist, have them send you an oral steroid if possible.
- Make sure you see your podiatrist first before taking medications!
Elevate your foot:
- The more you can elevate your foot. The less blood flow will rush to the site.
- This should really help reduce the pain.
Massage & Ice Products:
- Icing can be done at home almost immediately.
- Get yourself a cloth and use it around a frozen bag of peas or ice.
- Apply this for your foot 20 minutes at a time.
Best Foot & Ankle Manual Massage Devices:
Best Premium Massage Roller
Most Cost Effective Massage Roller.
Cost Effective Freezable Massage Roller.
Price:
Price not available
$7.99
$11.99
Overview:
Premium freezable metal ball that stays cold for up to 6 hours. Great for plantar fascia, neck, shoulders and calf muscles.
Amazing Price, Great Reviews – Non-Freezable Massage Rolling Stick
Great price and it is freezable. Budget friendly freezable massage roller.
Pros:
Great reviews – near 5 star. Stays cold for a long time with deep penetrating plantar fascia massage. Used by professional athletes. Stays cold for HOURS!
Great for what it does. You roll it back and forth along your plantar fascia massaging the swelling and irritation out. Decreases pain. Thousands of 5 star reviews on Amazon.
Excellent reviews. It massages and ices, so it is a step up over the massage rollers. Near 5 star reviews with >500 reviews.
Cons:
More expensive than some of the other options, but near perfect reviews.
Is not freezable like the other two options. Massaging a sore muscle without the cold sensation can be very painful and render it useless to you if really sore.
It does a great job doing what it is supposed to do. Main downside is that it does not stay cold as long as the premium metal ball.
Important Tips:
Use it with a sock to start (could be too cold). Massaging and icing definitely loosens you up and makes you feel better, but you still have to prevent the pain in the first place. You still need stretching, orthotics and good shoes to prevent the initial damage.
Two things: Without the freezing component, it may be really painful for a very sore arch (So make sure to use ICE also). Also this only reduces pain, it does not stop the cause! You still need good orthotics, shoes and stretching to stop the pain in the first place!
Start with socks at first, especially if you have peripheral neuropathy => don’t freeze your foot! Remember that you still need good orthotics, good shoes and inserts as well as temporary activity reduction.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Manual Massage Devices:
Best Premium Massage Roller
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Premium freezable metal ball that stays cold for up to 6 hours. Great for plantar fascia, neck, shoulders and calf muscles.
Pros:
Great reviews – near 5 star. Stays cold for a long time with deep penetrating plantar fascia massage. Used by professional athletes. Stays cold for HOURS!
Cons:
More expensive than some of the other options, but near perfect reviews.
Important Tips:
Use it with a sock to start (could be too cold). Massaging and icing definitely loosens you up and makes you feel better, but you still have to prevent the pain in the first place. You still need stretching, orthotics and good shoes to prevent the initial damage.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Manual Massage Devices:
Most Cost Effective Massage Roller.
Price:
$7.99
Overview:
Amazing Price, Great Reviews – Non-Freezable Massage Rolling Stick
Pros:
Great for what it does. You roll it back and forth along your plantar fascia massaging the swelling and irritation out. Decreases pain. Thousands of 5 star reviews on Amazon.
Cons:
Is not freezable like the other two options. Massaging a sore muscle without the cold sensation can be very painful and render it useless to you if really sore.
Important Tips:
Two things: Without the freezing component, it may be really painful for a very sore arch (So make sure to use ICE also). Also this only reduces pain, it does not stop the cause! You still need good orthotics, shoes and stretching to stop the pain in the first place!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Manual Massage Devices:
Cost Effective Freezable Massage Roller.
Price:
$11.99
Overview:
Great price and it is freezable. Budget friendly freezable massage roller.
Pros:
Excellent reviews. It massages and ices, so it is a step up over the massage rollers. Near 5 star reviews with >500 reviews.
Cons:
It does a great job doing what it is supposed to do. Main downside is that it does not stay cold as long as the premium metal ball.
Important Tips:
Start with socks at first, especially if you have peripheral neuropathy => don’t freeze your foot! Remember that you still need good orthotics, good shoes and inserts as well as temporary activity reduction.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Menthol Based Gels:
- Biofreeze is one of our favorites.
- These gels have been studied to work 2x as long as ice.
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
Best & Proven Pain Relieving Gel.
Roll On Version of Biofreeze Gel.
A giant container of value size biofreeze.
Menthol Based Ointment with Hemp Extract
Price:
Price not available
$28.20
Price not available
$19.99
Overview:
The Proven and Scientifically Published Menthol Based Gel
Same as biofreeze gel, but the roll-on is prefered by some people for their feet, less messy.
8.1 lbs(3.67 kg) of Value Sized Biofreeze!
This is an alternative cream: Basically Biofreeze + hemp extract.
Pros:
Scientifically proven to loosen up and relief pain up to 2x longer than Ice. Less effort than ice and great reviews. 900+ 5 star reviews on Amazon.
The roll-on application of this biofreeze can be easier to apply. Less overall mess.
If you know you already love it and trust the reviews. This is a great value that lasts a long time.
It has great reviews, loved by the all natural crowd. 100s of 5 star reviews with a near perfect rating.
Cons:
Don’t put this on open sores or mucous membranes, it will burn! It can run out quick and doesn’t prevent pain, just helps it.
Not as easy to spread in other areas, main difference is the roll on applicator, same solution.
A gigantic bottle that could fall over and injure you! Seriously this could be too big in some situations.
Basically looks like menthol(active Biofreeze ingredient), but with hemp extract SKYROCKETING the price.
Important Tips:
Menthol is the active ingredient in this and other hemp based creams. It works similar to ice, but once you apply it you can just move on rather than waiting 20 minutes. **Works great to get your through the night if you have pain sleeping**
Roll-on method is best for the bottom of the feet. No other real advantage. Most patients like it prior to bed for easy sleeping without foot pain.
If you know you love it, this stuff works all over the sore areas in your body not just your foot. I have had many people get me to order this for them in the past and LOVED IT!
The hemp extract is almost nothing and likely a marketing gimmick. It’s basically Biofreeze with some hemp extract raising the price.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
Best & Proven Pain Relieving Gel.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
The Proven and Scientifically Published Menthol Based Gel
Pros:
Scientifically proven to loosen up and relief pain up to 2x longer than Ice. Less effort than ice and great reviews. 900+ 5 star reviews on Amazon.
Cons:
Don’t put this on open sores or mucous membranes, it will burn! It can run out quick and doesn’t prevent pain, just helps it.
Important Tips:
Menthol is the active ingredient in this and other hemp based creams. It works similar to ice, but once you apply it you can just move on rather than waiting 20 minutes. **Works great to get your through the night if you have pain sleeping**
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
Roll On Version of Biofreeze Gel.
Price:
$28.20
Overview:
Same as biofreeze gel, but the roll-on is prefered by some people for their feet, less messy.
Pros:
The roll-on application of this biofreeze can be easier to apply. Less overall mess.
Cons:
Not as easy to spread in other areas, main difference is the roll on applicator, same solution.
Important Tips:
Roll-on method is best for the bottom of the feet. No other real advantage. Most patients like it prior to bed for easy sleeping without foot pain.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
A giant container of value size biofreeze.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
8.1 lbs(3.67 kg) of Value Sized Biofreeze!
Pros:
If you know you already love it and trust the reviews. This is a great value that lasts a long time.
Cons:
A gigantic bottle that could fall over and injure you! Seriously this could be too big in some situations.
Important Tips:
If you know you love it, this stuff works all over the sore areas in your body not just your foot. I have had many people get me to order this for them in the past and LOVED IT!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
Menthol Based Ointment with Hemp Extract
Price:
$19.99
Overview:
This is an alternative cream: Basically Biofreeze + hemp extract.
Pros:
It has great reviews, loved by the all natural crowd. 100s of 5 star reviews with a near perfect rating.
Cons:
Basically looks like menthol(active Biofreeze ingredient), but with hemp extract SKYROCKETING the price.
Important Tips:
The hemp extract is almost nothing and likely a marketing gimmick. It’s basically Biofreeze with some hemp extract raising the price.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Gout Products:
- There are some great gout-specific creams and ointments out there.
- These are some of the best-rated products available on Amazon.com.
- Let us know which ones work best for you!
Gout Supplements & Medication
Top rated gout specific cream on Amazon
Top rated cherry concentrate supplement.
Great Tumeric based anti-arthritis supplement.
Top rated overall Amazon anti-arthritis topical cream.
Price:
Price not available
$20.95
$23.97
$30.99
Overview:
There are not many topical gout specific relief creams. This is the one with best results!
This has 3,000+ near 5 star reviews, there are some studies there supporting it.
Top rate Tumeric based arthritis supplement, About 3,000 near 5 star reviews on Amazon.
Top rated overall arthritis topical cream. Over 30,000+ near 5 star reviews between all sizes!
Pros:
Excellent overall reviews, not much other options for specific gout designed creams.
Great overall reviews, good reviews, people swear by this.
This is one that patients definitely swear by. The reviews are excellent near 5 star levels with thousands of reviews.
Some of the best overall reviews on Amazon in total, long track record, lots of loyal followers.
Cons:
The scientific literature is not very strong regarding these creams.
The results are not thought to be instantaneous, like most supplements, the evidence is not overwhelming.
Like most supplements, the studies are not overwhelming, but there is some evidence for sure.
This is not gout specific, this is overall arthritis specific.
Important Tips:
Use these at your own risk, these are anti-inflammatory creams with great reviews, but not strong scientific literature!
Make sure you read the reviews and do your research, but they do have great overall results with many people that swear by it!
Some patients swear by this stuff, there is mixed evidence, but if you are in severe pain and trust the reviews, it can help!
Like any natural supplement, the research is lacking, do your own research and check with your doctor!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Gout Supplements & Medication
Top rated gout specific cream on Amazon
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
There are not many topical gout specific relief creams. This is the one with best results!
Pros:
Excellent overall reviews, not much other options for specific gout designed creams.
Cons:
The scientific literature is not very strong regarding these creams.
Important Tips:
Use these at your own risk, these are anti-inflammatory creams with great reviews, but not strong scientific literature!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Gout Supplements & Medication
Top rated cherry concentrate supplement.
Price:
$20.95
Overview:
This has 3,000+ near 5 star reviews, there are some studies there supporting it.
Pros:
Great overall reviews, good reviews, people swear by this.
Cons:
The results are not thought to be instantaneous, like most supplements, the evidence is not overwhelming.
Important Tips:
Make sure you read the reviews and do your research, but they do have great overall results with many people that swear by it!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Gout Supplements & Medication
Great Tumeric based anti-arthritis supplement.
Price:
$23.97
Overview:
Top rate Tumeric based arthritis supplement, About 3,000 near 5 star reviews on Amazon.
Pros:
This is one that patients definitely swear by. The reviews are excellent near 5 star levels with thousands of reviews.
Cons:
Like most supplements, the studies are not overwhelming, but there is some evidence for sure.
Important Tips:
Some patients swear by this stuff, there is mixed evidence, but if you are in severe pain and trust the reviews, it can help!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Gout Supplements & Medication
Top rated overall Amazon anti-arthritis topical cream.
Price:
$30.99
Overview:
Top rated overall arthritis topical cream. Over 30,000+ near 5 star reviews between all sizes!
Pros:
Some of the best overall reviews on Amazon in total, long track record, lots of loyal followers.
Cons:
This is not gout specific, this is overall arthritis specific.
Important Tips:
Like any natural supplement, the research is lacking, do your own research and check with your doctor!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Wait it out:
- Take it easy that day, generally doing these things for 1-2 days will start to feel better.
- See your podiatrist as soon as possible for steroids or Indomethacin if possible.
- Make sure it’s not a different problem as well!
Walk This Way: Trusted Foot & Ankle Information
Learn what’s hurting and how to fix it.
Consult Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist in Howell and Bloomfield for Expert Gout Pain Relief.
Our experienced podiatric surgeons combine precision, care, and innovation to deliver successful outcomes in flatfoot reconstruction. With modern facilities, patient education, and compassionate care, we’ve become the trusted choice for foot and ankle surgery in Southeast Michigan. We’re committed to restoring your stride—comfortably and confidently.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gout Pain in the Foot
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by excess uric acid in the blood. It often targets the big toe joint due to lower temperatures and slower circulation in the feet, which promote crystal buildup.
Gout pain is typically sudden, intense, and throbbing. The affected joint may feel hot, swollen, and extremely tender—even the weight of a bedsheet can be unbearable during a flare-up.
Common triggers include high-purine foods (like red meat and shellfish), alcohol (especially beer), dehydration, stress, and certain medications. Cold weather and injury to the joint can also provoke attacks.
Diagnosis usually involves a physical exam, medical history, and blood tests to measure uric acid levels. In some cases, joint fluid analysis or imaging may be used to confirm crystal deposits.
- Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs or corticosteroids)
- Colchicine for acute attacks
- Ice therapy and elevation
- Long-term uric acid-lowering medications (e.g., allopurinol)
Yes. Without proper management, gout can lead to frequent flare-ups, joint damage, and tophi (crystal deposits under the skin). Early intervention is key to preventing long-term complications.
Absolutely. A podiatrist can help manage pain, monitor joint health, and coordinate care with your primary physician or rheumatologist. They also provide footwear guidance and custom orthotics to reduce pressure on affected joints.
If you’re experiencing foot gout pain, visit Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist in Howell or Bloomfield Hills. Dr. Tom Biernacki offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment plans tailored to your lifestyle and health needs.