Problem: A 40-year-old man presents to the clinic complaining of pain in his left big toe. The pain began suddenly this morning and woke him from sleep. He denies trauma to the area. However, the night before, he and his fiancée had a diner of liver pate, cheese, and wine. Physical examination reveals a warm, erythematous, and exquisitely tender left 1st metatarsophalangeal joint.
1. What is the differential diagnosis for acute joint pain?
2. What diagnosis does the nurse anticipate?
3. What are the common causes of this condition?