A 55‑year‑old man presents to urgent care with sudden onset…
A 55‑year‑old man presents to urgent care with sudden onset of severe pain in his left big toe that began overnight. He describes the pain as excruciating and notes redness, swelling, and warmth of the joint. He is unable to tolerate even light touch from bedsheets. He reports similar episodes in the past that resolved after a few days with NSAIDs. His medical history includes hypertension treated with a thiazide diuretic. On exam, the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint is visibly swollen, erythematous, and exquisitely tender. Which diagnosis best explains this patient’s presentation?