Severe, burning pain, often accompanied by red, swollen joint(s), and usually of sudden onset, may be a metabolic condition---gout. It most often shows up in the big toe, and is more common in men than women.
It is a type of arthritis caused when sharp crystals form in a joint because of too much uric acid in the blood. Your chances of getting it are higher if you are overweight, drink too much alcohol, or eat too many foods containing purines, such as meats, including steak, organ meats, and seafood, or drink beverages sweetened with fructose (fruit sugar).
There are other risk factors, including family history, medical conditions like diabetes or kidney disease, and certain medications such as diuretics.
Treatment may include medications, but a gout sufferer can often control the situation with diet. Avoid anything containing high fructose corn syrup (sodas, ice cream, fruit juices, sports drinks, breakfast cereals).
Avoid high-purine foods---organ meat (liver), red meat, shellfish, anchovies, herring, mushrooms, asparagus, cauliflower, kidney beans, lentils, spinach, peas, and whole wheat http://www.ukgoutsociety.org/docs/goutsociety-allaboutgoutanddiet-0113.pdf
Keep alcohol consumption moderate or minimum, and drink lots of pure (devoid of chlorine or other chemicals) water to help your body flush out waste products and toxins.
