Red, swollen and painful big toe?
74 -year-old man
Hello, for the last two days my big toe on my left foot has been red, swollen, painful and I am limping. They tell me it's gout, or gouty arthritis. I take tylenol, put ice on it, but get no relief.
What can I do to get relief and keep it from happening again?
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Naji-tom Samaha · 2 years ago
Hello, thank you for your question!
I'm sorry to read about your troubles! In order to better understand the situation and advise you, would it be possible to know if you are taking medication for other health conditions, if you have other health conditions, and if you have any allergies?
Thank you for your time!
74 -year-old man · 2 years ago
I am 71 years old. I had a mild stroke in late February 2020. I am on medication for high blood pressure and acid reflux. As a result of the stroke, I take one coated aspirin a day, a cholesterol medication even though it would not be necessary otherwise according to my family doctor. I have an allergy to wasp stings. Consider myself otherwise healthy. I have had one bout of gouty arthritis last year, and the first time a good 20 years ago.
Naji-tom Samaha · 2 years ago
Thank you very much for the information!
(Indeed, as you mentioned, you are not necessarily taking the anti-cholesterol medication because you have high levels, but it is a secondary prevention: this medication has a protective effect in people who have had a stroke, so that recurrences and complications can be reduced...)
An anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil and other brands) is often suggested for this type of pain, but it is best avoided in your case given your history of reflux and stroke :/
Other options exist for pain, but these require a medical evaluation and prescription. Also, you can discuss with your doctor the possibility of taking a medication to reduce your uric acid levels, if they are high and if you are willing to take it
For now, we can only suggest that you continue to take Tylenol and apply ice for 10-15 minutes at a time, but as often as desired.
74 -year-old man · 2 years ago
Thank you very much for your advice. This is my first experience with this site which I discovered this morning and I am delighted.
Naji-tom Samaha · 2 years ago
It was my pleasure! Don't hesitate to contact me if there is anything you need!
Tom Samaha, pharmacist
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