First YES it is painful, and it is a uric acid issue. I've had it two or three times and I wish it on no one!!
The first time, I thought I broke my large toe on my right foot. It got more painful within 12 hrs., and I would up in the ER, as it was 'off hours' for my Doc. 1 shot in the ER, off for painful x-rays, and NO, my toe was not broken.
They gave me a script for Prednisone, dose pack, put me in a wheel chair and rolled me out. The dose pack worked great, and the following evening the pain was tolerable. I was out of work for three days.
The recurring lead to me having a 'dose pack' on hand. I still have one at the ready. I also have Alpurinol (sp) which is to keep the uric acid at bay.
So far, it's under control. I have to be careful with the Pred, as I also have some gastro issues.
The old adage was it's a drinking mans illness, but that is not the case.
Yes, the pain was the worst.
