Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 14: You’re fast asleep, maybe dreaming of a beach getaway—when suddenly, a sharp, burning pain in your big toe yanks you out of bed. It’s swollen, red, and feels like it’s been smashed with a hammer. Strange? Not if you have high uric acid levels. That middle-of-the-night agony could be gout’s dramatic entry.

Doctors say this form of arthritis—caused by uric acid crystals collecting in the joints—often makes its first appearance in the dead of night. Why? As your body cools and slows during sleep, crystals are more likely to form in joints like the toes and ankles, especially if you're slightly dehydrated after hours without water.

According to studies, gout attacks are 2.4 times more likely to strike at night. And it’s no subtle signal either—the pain can be so intense that it feels like “glass shards in the joint.” Skin around the toe tightens and reddens, and the soreness lingers for days, making mornings a challenge.

Uric acid builds up when the body breaks down purines—found in red meat, seafood, alcohol, and even veggies like spinach and mushrooms. Normally flushed out through urine, excess uric acid can crystallise if not managed properly, especially with poor hydration, binge drinking, or crash dieting.

Though people often brush off gout as a one-off or blame odd sleeping positions, repeated flare-ups could lead to long-term damage—including kidney stones and chronic joint issues. Doctors advise speaking to a specialist if episodes recur.

Prevention is possible. Staying hydrated, cutting back on purine-rich dinners, avoiding alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight all help. Medications like allopurinol or febuxostat may also be prescribed for long-term control—but only under medical advice.

So the next time your toe throws a tantrum at 2 am, don’t just reach for an ice pack—listen to what your body’s trying to tell you.