Swollen big toes are likely indicators of larger problems and sometimes go beyond the joints and into the feet. Inflamed feelings or sensations, pain, swelling, and extreme soreness that advances rapidly only on the big toe is often caused due to gout. But similar symptoms can also take place when there is an infection. If the swelling is situated at the base of the big toe then the swelling can be termed as a bunion. In most cases sore joint pain, rigor, and swelling are common symptoms of conditions associated with bursitis, inflammation of the joint, ulcerative skin disease, or gout. It is advisable to seek a doctor's advice on the reason behind the swellings, to get a thorough examination, the right diagnosis and the associated treatment for it.
Sometimes severe trauma due to the result of a toe injury can also cause the swelling. Many times the big toe has an unusual capability of getting in the way of walking and in most cases, it is the one that gets stubbed in unfortunate circumstances. Striking one's toe accidentally against a bed post or a door is a common phenomenon. Such incidents take place at night when walking in the dark and it can lead to injuries including contusing, cracks, blood coagulations under the nail, a torn ragged wound and sometimes even the tearing off, of the nail.
If you have been experiencing perennial pain and swelling behind the big toe, you are likely to suffer from gout that is a result of the build up of uric acid in the blood. As uric acids builds up, it forms crystals of uric acid in the joint and cause extreme pain as the joint gets acutely inflamed. Gout is highly painful and can leave you limping around even in comfortable footwear.
Long-lasting and recurrent increase of uric acid level in the blood can lead to kidney damage. Gout is often brought about abruptly through excessive alcohol intake, eating foods rich in saturated fats and trans fats especially meats, and even with the intake of specific medications. Gout is more commonly seen in men and in many cases, doctors have observed a genetic connection related to the disease.
The symptoms of acute gout usually settle down with anti-inflammatory drugs and medicines. If you suspect gout, a medical checkup is highly suggested. Most doctors treat gout with pain medications and specific drugs to bring down the levels of uric acid in the body and get rid of excessive uric acid out from the kidneys. Your doctor may request you to get your urine specimen to check for total uric acid.
Certain kinds of foods are detrimental to the health during gout and should not be consumed-these are also known as high-purine foods that include the following: red meats, shellfish, yeast and fermented products, beer and other alcoholic beverages, beans, green peas, legumes, oats, spinach plants, edible asparagus, cruciferous vegetables and mushrooms.
answered by G M