I thought I had gout, but . . .

[mariner2]

Last July I had what I thought was a bad gout attack in my right big toe and could barely walk for a week.
During that time I was wearing the same pair of shoes for that week.
Last week I put these shoes on again for a day in London and had a similar attack by the evening, I binned the shoes and was OK a couple of days later.
Is it possible that your shoes could cause this even though they are not the least bit uncomfortable, and if so I assume it can't be gout?

[Ethel]

Entirely possible, I think. Constriction or the lightest pressure in the wrong place could affect the nerve. Think of neuralgia in the face - that is the nerve going into spasm and is hugely painful.

[sympster]

My dad has the same thing in his foot...doctors are unable to tell him what it is except for that it isn't gout! He has to wear safety shoes at work and he is convinced this is what has caused it. Unfortunately he can't seem to get rid of it, it subsides then if he does too much walking it flares up again