The difference between gout and rheumatoid arthritis causing recurrent swelling and pain in the feet is that gout is caused by high blood uric acid levels, while rheumatoid arthritis causing recurrent swelling and pain in the feet is caused by infections, and the triggers are cold and humidity. 1. Gout: Gout is caused by elevated blood uric acid levels in the body. Gout usually starts suddenly at night, and it may cause sudden severe pain in one or more joints with redness and swelling of the joints, and the skin on the surface of the joints is red and purple and shiny. It often resolves on its own within two weeks. If the condition worsens or the treatment is not active after the attack, it will lead to frequent attacks and spread to many joints. 2. Rheumatoid arthritis: cold and damp is an important cause of rheumatoid arthritis, but its etiology is due to infection, wandering multiple arthritis mainly occurs in the knees, ankles, elbows and wrists and other large joints. Localized redness, swelling and pain may be present, but there is no pus. Joint pain usually subsides within two weeks, and there is no obvious joint degeneration after relief, but it is easy to recur. If you can not determine the cause of recurrent swelling and pain in the foot, you should go to the hospital in time to avoid self-medication, so as not to delay the condition.