Gout is a common foot problem characterized by sudden and intense pain, often striking at night without warning. Classic symptoms of gout include localized pain, swelling, redness, heat, and tenderness. While it frequently affects the big toe, other parts of the foot and ankle can also be affected by gout. During flare ups, uric acid crystals accumulate in joints, which causes irritation and triggers inflammation. The condition progresses through three phases. The flare-up phase is a sudden onset of symptoms, usually in one joint initially, but recurrent flare-ups can affect multiple joints over time. The intercritical phase of gout is a symptom-free period between flare ups. However, more than 60 percent of gout sufferers experience repeat attacks within a year. During the tophaceous phase of gout, urate crystals accumulate, leading to the formation of lumps or masses known as tophi. These can erode bone and cartilage, causing damage. Gout treatment focuses on pain relief during flare ups and lowering uric acid levels to prevent future attacks. For treatment from gout, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist.
Gout is a painful form of arthritis that can affect anyone. Please consult with one of the chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Gout?
Gout is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. This type of arthritis is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. When uric acid crystallizes in a joint, often the joint of the big toe, it can bring about a gout attack.
Symptoms
Symptoms of gout include:
Sudden and severe pain
Swelling
Redness
Warmth
Joint stiffness
Joint deformity
Diagnosis
A chiropodist will ask questions about your personal and family medical history, followed by an examination of the affected joint. Laboratory tests and x-rays are sometimes ordered to determine if the inflammation is caused by something other than gout. A sample of fluid taken from your joint can show whether it contains uric acid.
Treatment
Prescription medications or injections are used to treat the pain, swelling, and inflammation. Patients with chronic gout can also use behavioral modifications such as diet, exercise, and decreased intake of alcohol to help minimize the frequency of gout attacks. Foods and beverages that are high in purines should be avoided since purines are converted in the body to uric acid. If left untreated, this painful condition can leave your joint permanently damaged and swollen.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
