I recently had my first attack of gout on the big toe. It was probably the most excruciating pain ever for a whole weak. The foot eventually swelled up and anything that touched it felt like my toe was being torn apart. The pain came mostly from the top of the big toe joint. A week passed since the gout started to hit and the swelling disappeared and most of the pain has disappeared. Then, surprisingly, my 2nd attack came about a month later. This time it seemed as if the attack was on the side (inner part of foot) rather than the top where the first attack was. I did start taking vitamin C supplements a day or 2 prior to this attack and I've read that doing so may trigger gout attacks, so i'm assuming it was this that caused the attack, as i have stayed away from high purine foods and alcohol. After about a week again, the swelling and most, but not all, of the pain disappeared. Unfortunately, it still feels weird. There is still discomfort in that area. I can't seem to walk 100% normal. I can put weight on it but i can't walk in a normal fashion. There would be a slight tinge of pain everytime when the toe is completely bent when pushing off the foot to walk. Is this normal? Does it take this long to heal? Did the gout damage my joints or muscle tissue or something? Alot of references say that the gout disappears and everything feels back to normal. Any help would be appreciated. I had X-rays done and the doctor says my joints looked great, which ruled out bunions or hallux limitus. Its kind of tender if i push along the side of the big toe joint on the inner side of the foot. And there seems to be a minor bruise like mark on that inner side of the foot where the big toe joint is as well. Could both of these attacks have caused major damage to that area? I just want to be able to walk normal again. Any feedback would be appreciated.