What is the term for a gout attack at the first metatarsophalangeal joint?

• A. Podagra
• B. Pseudogout
• C. Tophi
• D. Nephrolithiasis

Answer: (A)

Podagra is the term for an acute gout attack at the first metatarsophalangeal joint (the big toe). In gout, sudden, severe pain with swelling and redness commonly begins in this joint, making the big toe the classic site of an initial flare. The word podagra comes from Greek roots meaning “foot” and “attack,” highlighting this characteristic localization. Pseudogout is a different crystal arthritis caused by calcium pyrophosphate deposition; tophi are chronic deposits of urate crystals in soft tissues; nephrolithiasis refers to kidney stones—none of these describe the acute big-toe gout presentation.