Just saw my husband’s foot and I’m panicking. It’s huge and red and he says it feels like it’s on fire. Emergency care is hours away. What is this?

Other factors, such as minor trauma or dehydration, can also precipitate a gout attack in the foot. The underlying cause is the same: excess uric acid in the blood leading to the formation of sharp, needle-like crystals in the joint, causing inflammation and pain.

If emergency care is not immediately available, there are steps you can take to help manage the symptoms. First, encourage your husband to rest and elevate the affected foot to reduce swelling. Applying ice wrapped in a cloth for short intervals can also help alleviate pain and inflammation.