23rd February 2024

A 55 year old male attends his GP Surgery after developing a painful right foot which is affecting his ability to walk.

A 55 year old male attends his GP Surgery after developing a painful right foot which is affecting his ability to walk. The pain is focussed around the big toe and started two days previously. He does not remember injuring the foot and feels well otherwise. On examination the first metatarsophalangeal joint on the right foot is swollen and erythematous. The joint is warm to touch however there are no other signs of infection or injury. The patient is struggling to cope with the severity of the pain.

Select the single, most appropriate management option which will help manage this patient’s pain.