Gout typically affects the big toe because it is furthest from the heart - uric acid is more likely to turn into crystals at the extremities where body temperature is coolest.
An injection of jelly could help treat worn-out joints. Scientists hope the jab, using jelly found in donated umbilical cords, will stimulate the growth of cushioning cartilage once injected into the knees of patients with osteoarthritis.
Tests on animals suggest the jelly called Wharton’s jelly can potentially reverse damage to joints caused by the condition. A trial of 12 patients will test its effect in humans.
Around nine million people in the UK have osteoarthritis, where cartilage breaks down, meaning bones rub together, causing inflammation and pain. The main cause is ageing, as joints suffer wear and tear. Other risk factors include being overweight, family history and sports injuries.