It has been several days since I posted my question to you and the pain in my toe is slowly going away.
I did some research about gout and I doubt that gout is my problem, although I will be sure to mention it to my doctor. I had a full exam a few months ago and I know that all my "levels" of things were OK at that time. I'm not overweight and I don't have any od the lifestyle or dietary problems associated with gout, or a family history of the disease. It's possible that this is capsilitus. What is quite odd is the way the pain seems to come about at night while I'm sleeping -- which is how gout is described. I will be sure to talk to my podiatrist about it.
I was against getting a cortisone shot in my foot but now I'm a little more open to the idea. An I'll also explore re-doing my orthotics. However, I think that part of the problem may be some of the shoes I wear in the summer that do not include my orthotics. THAT is a problem!
Linda, Even though there is a strong possibility that you are not having a gout attack, please be aware that most times uric acid levels are normal during a gout attack so it can be misleading. That is why I suggested taking Colchicine next time you have an attack. It is specific for gout, so if it made the pain go away, you would know its gout; if no relief from Colchicine then you could be reasonably sure it was not gout. I do not know where you are in your journey through life but gout is generally limited to post menopausal women, so that would be a consideration as well. Good luck. Marc Mitnick DPM
