Gout Diagnosis and Treatment Care

What You Need To Know About Gout

Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this painful form of arthritis.

Understanding Gout and How We Treat It

Gout is a type of arthritis characterized by pain, stiffness, tenderness, and inflammation in the joints of the feet, and it usually affects the big toe first. Left untreated, it can lead to painful foot deformity and even kidney problems. While it is more common among those over 30, people of any age can suffer from this condition.

Gout is caused by an excess of uric acid, a waste product made by the body. Your body makes uric acid during the digestive process for specific foods like red meat or sardines. When high levels build up in your system, the buildup forms sharp crystals in your joints or surrounding tissues, bringing on an attack. If you have many attacks, crystals may form large deposits called tophi, which can damage joints and cause deformity. Gout commonly affects the big toe because uric acid crystallizes at cooler temperatures, and your toe is the farthest part of your body from your heart.

Symptoms almost always occur suddenly, and often at night. You may wake up with the sensation that your big toe is on fire. The joint feels hot, swollen, and tender, with continuous ache, stiffness, and limited motion. Attacks can last from a few days to a few weeks.

If you suspect you are suffering from a gout attack, make an appointment right away. Our providers will review your symptoms and medical history and examine the affected joint. You may need tests such as blood work, joint fluid analysis, or an on-site digital X-ray to confirm a diagnosis and begin treatment.

Treating and Preventing Gout Attacks

The good news is that by treating gout early, you can relieve pain and help prevent future problems. Gout can usually be treated with medication and proper diet. In severe cases, surgery may be needed. Treatment is typically two-pronged: medication and lifestyle changes.

Initial treatment of an attack usually includes prescription medications or injections to treat pain, swelling, and inflammation. Dietary restrictions are important, since foods and beverages high in purines are converted in the body to uric acid. Drinking plenty of water helps flush uric acid from your body, while alcoholic beverages should be avoided because they cause dehydration. Immobilizing and elevating the foot above heart level also helps reduce swelling. With treatment, symptoms usually resolve in three to ten days.

Foot orthotics can also be very helpful during gout attacks. Soft supportive orthotics cushion the foot and place less strain on the joints. Our board-certified podiatrists can discuss this as an option with you at your appointment.

To help prevent future attacks, avoid alcohol, red and processed meats, organ meats, shellfish, and certain fish such as anchovies and sardines. Sugary drinks sweetened with fructose also promote higher uric acid levels. Losing weight, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, exercising regularly, and eating a diet full of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can all reduce recurrent attacks. With these changes and ongoing support from your podiatrist, gout can be managed and future flare-ups minimized.