I suffer from a persistent gout or more specifically, gouty arthritis in both ball joints of the feet. Although flare ups do occur when diet and alcohol consumption are not managed, the ball joints of each foot are constantly sore and in mild pain. I take 300 mg's of Alipurinol daily. Uric acid levels have been reduced to now range in the 5's but the mild pain persists. It doesn't look like gout (no redness and very little swelling) but it sure is uncomfortable and difficult to walk or run. All other blood work is within appropriate ranges. Is is possible that it's not gout but some other form of arthritis? Would you recommend a rheumatologist or podiatrist? How about injections at the ball joints of the foot? Can exercise cause additional joint damage? Frustrated.