Gout — sudden joint inflammation from uric acid buildup
Gout tends to announce itself overnight — a joint that was fine the day before becomes hot, swollen, and intensely painful, often at the base of the big toe.
What it is
Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in a joint, most classically the joint at the base of the big toe. It typically arrives as a sudden, intense flare rather than a gradual ache.
Because gout can resemble infection or other types of joint pain, an accurate diagnosis matters before starting treatment.
Common symptoms
- Sudden, severe pain, often overnight
- Warmth, redness, and swelling at the joint
- Tenderness intense enough that even light pressure, like a bedsheet, is painful
How Dr. Feldman treats it
Dr. Feldman evaluates the joint to confirm gout and rule out other causes, then addresses the flare itself — reducing inflammation and pain — alongside guidance on footwear and activity while it settles.
Because gout is driven by uric acid levels in the body, ongoing management often involves a physician managing that underlying process, with Dr. Feldman focused on the joint itself and any lasting effect on foot function.
Ready to get back on your feet?
Request an appointment online, or call the office — we see patients in Bethesda and Germantown.