Gout and toenail fungus are two very different conditions that can affect your feet. Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that often targets the big toe, causing intense pain and swelling. Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that discolors and thickens the nails, sometimes causing them to become brittle and even detach.
This article will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments for both gout and toenail fungus — and briefly touch on how these two conditions might intersect (or not).
Understanding Gout
What is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis that happens when you have too much uric acid in your body. Uric acid can form crystals in your joints, which leads to inflammation and pain. Gout often shows up in the big toe, but it can affect other joints, too.
Symptoms of Gout
If you’ve ever had a gout attack, you know how awful it can be. Symptoms tend to include:
- Sudden, severe joint pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- Tenderness
The pain is often the worst in the first 4 to 12 hours. Gout symptoms can come and go, and you might have periods where you don’t have any symptoms at all.
Causes and Risk Factors
Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in the body. Eating a lot of foods with purines can lead to uric acid buildup. You’re more likely to get gout if you have a family history of it, if you’re male, if you’re obese, if you take certain medications, or if you drink alcohol (especially beer).
What is toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a fungal infection of one or more of your toenails.
Without treatment, toenail fungus can become a long-term, chronic condition, and it can be difficult to eradicate, making understanding why nail fungus keeps coming back and how to prevent it crucial.
Symptoms of toenail fungus
If you have toenail fungus, you may notice:
- Thickening of the nail
- Discoloration (ranging from white to yellow-brown)
- Brittleness
- Crumbling
- Distorted shape
- Foul odor
Causes and risk factors
Fungi love warm, moist environments, like sweaty socks inside a closed-toe shoe, or even underneath gel nails, where moisture can be trapped, increasing the risk of nail fungus.
You may be more likely to get toenail fungus if you:
- Are older
- Have diabetes
- Have poor circulation
- Have injured your nail
- Have athlete’s foot (tinea pedis)
- Spend time in sports environments where there is sweat and shared space
Managing Gout: Treatment and Prevention
If you’re having a gout attack, your doctor might recommend NSAIDs, corticosteroids, or colchicine to relieve the pain. Elevating the affected joint and applying ice can also help.
For long-term gout management, you may need medications to lower uric acid levels. You should also consider making some lifestyle changes, such as:
- Limiting purine-rich foods (like red meat and organ meats)
- Reducing alcohol intake
- Managing your weight
It’s also important to see a podiatrist regularly to manage your gout. A podiatrist can help you develop a treatment plan and monitor your progress.
Managing Toenail Fungus: Treatment and Prevention
If your podiatrist diagnoses you with toenail fungus, you have several treatment options, including, potentially, natural treatments like garlic:
- Topical antifungal medications: These are creams and ointments you apply directly to the nail.
- Oral antifungal medications: Your doctor may prescribe a pill to treat the infection.
- Nail removal: In severe cases, you may need to have the infected nail removed.
You can also take steps to prevent toenail fungus from developing in the first place:
- Wash and dry your feet thoroughly, especially between your toes.
- Wear socks and shoes that allow your feet to breathe.
- Avoid walking barefoot in public places like locker rooms and swimming pools.
It’s always a good idea to see a podiatrist for any foot problems, including suspected toenail fungus. They can give you a definite diagnosis and recommend the best treatment plan for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What diseases are associated with toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is frequently linked to conditions that weaken the immune system, such as diabetes, psoriasis, and peripheral artery disease. These diseases can impair circulation and make individuals more susceptible to fungal infections. It’s also more common in older adults and those with a family history of the condition.
What does your toe look like if you have gout?
Gout typically presents with sudden, intense pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected joint, most commonly the big toe. The skin around the joint may appear shiny and stretched. An acute gout attack can be incredibly painful, making it difficult to walk or even bear weight on the affected foot.
Why do I suddenly have toenail fungus?
A sudden onset of toenail fungus can be attributed to a variety of factors, including exposure to moist environments (like public pools or showers), wearing tight-fitting shoes that trap moisture, trauma to the nail, or a compromised immune system. It can also develop if you share nail clippers or other personal care items with someone who has a fungal infection.
Can gout be caused by fungus?
No, gout is not caused by fungus. Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. While a fungal infection and gout can occur independently, they are unrelated conditions with different underlying causes. Confusing the two is understandable because both can involve toe pain and inflammation.
What is often misdiagnosed as gout?
Several conditions can mimic gout, leading to misdiagnosis. These include pseudogout (calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease), cellulitis (a bacterial skin infection), septic arthritis (an infection within the joint), and bunions. It’s crucial to get an accurate diagnosis through a physical exam and lab tests to rule out other possible causes of joint pain and inflammation.
Wrapping Up
Gout and toenail fungus are very different issues. Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid, while toenail fungus is a fungal infection. Because they are so different, it’s important to get medical advice from a professional if you’re experiencing symptoms of either condition.
Getting treatment early is important in order to prevent long-term complications and get you feeling better as soon as possible.