Gout

This usually presents as a red, hot, swollen joint (most commonly the big toe joint). The pain is usually severe and causes limping. This is a metabolic disorder associated with elevated uric acid levels in the blood, mainly from dietary sources. If untreated, long term damage to the joint can occur, occasionally requiring surgery. In most cases, the condition can be managed with medication alone. However, during intermittent flare-ups, cortisone injections can be administered to relieve symptoms.