Hello dear , Pain , redness may be either due to gout or rhuematoid artritis. When there is blackish discoloration , it might be peripheral arterial disease . The discoloration is due to the insufficient blood flow to the toes. Other symptoms that include are - severe pain while walking - scanty hair growth on the limbs - absent pulses in the affected limb - Affected limb is generally cold when compared to the other. Dont s- Avoid smoking. Avoid food which increases your cholesterol like deep fried, fatty food stuffs. Advise - get your serum uric acid , rhumatoid factor , serum cholesterol and arterial doppler of lower limb done . Hope I have answered your questions. with regards., Dr. Ramya Mallya