I have intermittent pain on the top surface of my right big toe. It feels like a needle poking it or a bad sting. I ve read it might be an indication of gout. Is there anything I can do to immediately alleviate the pain before I can get a doctor s appointment?
Hi, thank you for providing the brief history of you. As the pain is like needles in the great toe a thorough clinical examination is advised. These symptoms can be due to either of the factors. Increase in the uric acid levels will lead to pain and can be investigated by lab urine culture. The next is this needling sensation is more of the neuropathic sign like nerve impingement in the lower lumbar spine and such symptoms are related to nerve. After a thorough clinical examination the treatment will be initiated. For time being till you meet your physician you can apply ice for few minutes and the pain should be down. Icing is advice only if you do not have Diabetes. Regards Jay In Chat Doctor.