Gout

What is gout?

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects the joints of your toes, especially the big toe. The condition develops when your body produces too much uric acid, which helps break down purines in meats, seafood, and alcohol products.

Crystals can form near your joints when uric acid levels elevate. The crystals have sharp edges that stab your joint, leading to persistent inflammation and pain.

Your risk for gout increases if you’re male or have a family history of the condition. You might also be at a higher risk for gout due to:

• Aging
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Use of certain medications

Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute offers comprehensive diagnostic evaluations for gout. The experienced podiatry team uses evidence-based treatments to address existing gout attacks and prevent additional complications.

When should I seek medical care for gout?

You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute if you have gout symptoms like persistent pain in the joints of your toes or ankles. This pain tends to be intense and occurs suddenly.

Other symptoms of gout include:

• Joint swelling
• Redness
• Warmth
• Limited range of joint motion

Gout can develop pain and damage in your joints without proper management.

The podiatry team examines your joint and may draw fluid from it for further testing. The team may also order X-rays or other diagnostic imaging tests to assess the health of your joint.

How is gout treated?

The Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute team offers customized treatment plans to manage gout and prevent additional flare-ups. 

They can prescribe anti-inflammatory medications like corticosteroids to address existing gout pain. If oral medications aren’t working well, the team can inject the medicines directly into the affected joint.

Some medications can prevent additional gout attacks by blocking the production of uric acid or improving your kidneys’ ability to eliminate excess uric acid from your body.

The team recommends lifestyle and diet changes you can make to lower your risk for gout attacks. These changes include daily exercises to support a healthy weight, limiting purine-rich foods, and drinking water instead of sweetened or alcoholic beverages.

Call the Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute office near you to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for gout symptoms, or book an appointment online today.