Gout
Gout: Swelling and pain in the big toe – Emergency measures and uric acid management. - **Symptoms:** - Sudden, severe pain - Redness - Swelling - Warmth - Tenderness to the touch - **Emergency Measures:** - Rest - Elevate the affected foot - Apply ice packs - Take over-the-counter pain relievers - **Uric Acid Management:** - Diet modifications - Medications - Regular monitoring
Middle of the night, pain in my big toe.
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. It typically manifests as sudden redness and swelling in the joint of the big toe, especially at night, causing pain even with slight touch.
- Acute attacks are treated with analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, and the sooner you seek treatment, the faster it will subside (internal medicine, rheumatology, orthopedics).
- Even if the attack subsides, it's not over – if uric acid levels are not managed, the condition will recur and damage the joints.
Source: 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 · as of 2026-08-13
Take your gout medication consistently, and drink alcohol responsibly.
- If seizures recur or uric acid levels are very high, long-term medication with uric acid-lowering drugs (such as allopurinol and febuxostat) may be necessary.
- If you stop taking the medication, the seizures may return. This is a medication that needs to be taken continuously even if there are no symptoms.
- Not only beer, but also soju, liquor, and all other types of alcohol can raise uric acid levels. Sweetened beverages (cola, fruit juice) are also surprisingly problematic.
- Reduce excessive consumption of organ meats (tripe, liver), rich meat broths, and oily fish.
Frequently asked questions
Can I start taking allopurinol while I'm having a gout attack?
Starting a new medication to lower uric acid levels during an acute attack can sometimes worsen the attack, so it is usually started after the attack subsides. It is generally recommended to continue taking any existing medications for uric acid even during an attack. For accurate instructions, please follow your doctor's advice.
My uric acid levels are high, but I have no symptoms. Should I take medication?
Asymptomatic hyperuricemia is often managed by lifestyle improvements (reducing alcohol and fructose intake, weight loss). However, if the levels are very high or accompanied by kidney disease, medication may be considered, so it's important to seek medical advice for diagnosis and treatment.
Sources for this page
· 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 (as of 2026-08-13)Last checked: 2026년 8월 13일
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