Doctors Note Logo

Published on: 7/15/2026

Can a specific disease cause the pain in the soles of the feet?

Diabetes and gout are two common conditions that can cause pain in the soles of the feet. Diabetes may trigger nerve damage (neuropathy), leading to burning, tingling, or sharp foot pain, while gout causes sudden, intense pain from uric acid crystal buildup in the joints, often affecting the feet.

Because foot pain can stem from many causes—ranging from minor irritation to serious underlying conditions—identifying the source early is essential for effective treatment. Rather than guessing, take a few minutes to complete a free, instant, online symptom check. It's a smart first step to better understand what may be causing your discomfort and to confidently navigate what to do next.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

answer background

Explanation

Gout and diabetes can cause pain in the soles of the feet.

Gout

In gout, one of the most common symptoms is pain, swelling and redness of the big toe accompanied by intense pain. Generally, pain is more likely to be felt on the upper aspect of the foot, but it can also be felt at the base of the toe closer to the sole. However, symptoms can occur anywhere in the feet, ankles or heel and other joints in the body. Gout attacks are treated most immediately with pain medications and anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen. Some people also need to take daily medications to keep their uric acid levels lower because elevated uric acid is the cause of the gout attacks.

Diabetes

People with diabetes may experience numbness or pain in their feet due to nerve damage from chronically elevated blood sugar levels. As nerve damage progresses, reduced sensation can lead to severe deformities and infections in the feet that can ultimately lead to amputation in extremely severe cases. Additionally, narrowed blood vessels can make bacterial infections more likely and slow down wound healing. If you have diabetes and notice both foot pain and wounds, you can check your symptoms to better understand what might be causing your discomfort before seeking medical attention promptly.

(References)

  • Hainer BL, Matheson E, Wilkes RT. Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of gout. Am Fam Physician. 2014 Dec 15;90(12):831-6. PMID: 25591183.

  • Dalbeth N, Choi HK, Joosten LAB, Khanna PP, Matsuo H, Perez-Ruiz F, Stamp LK. Gout. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2019 Sep 26;5(1):69. doi: 10.1038/s41572-019-0115-y. PMID: 31558729.

  • Bandyk DF. The diabetic foot: Pathophysiology, evaluation, and treatment. Semin Vasc Surg. 2018 Jun-Dec;31(2-4):43-48. doi: 10.1053/j.semvascsurg.2019.02.001. Epub 2019 Feb 6. PMID: 30876640.

Thinking about asking ChatGPT?Ask me instead

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

smily Shiba-inu looking

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.