Gout is a complex arthritic disorder that causes sudden agonizing pain, especially in your big toe joint. If you suffer from gout, the compassionate podiatry team at Premier Foot & Ankle can treat you in Dallas, Plano, Mesquite, Celina, McKinney, Sherman, Irving, and Frisco, Texas. You can conveniently book your gout examination online, or you can call your most convenient office to book a visit.
Gout, a type of arthritis, can affect any of the joints in your body, but usually, it occurs in the joints furthest from your heart, like your big toe. The reasoning behind this is that uric acid turns into jagged crystals as it reaches cooler temperatures in areas that don’t get as much blood flow (like your feet).
Usually, uric acid, a byproduct of purine digestion, simply flushes away through waste and you don’t have any problems. Sometimes though, uric acid levels — and thus your risk of gout — can increase due to:
Consuming large amounts of purine-rich foods, including red meats, organ meats, shellfish, and even alcohol (especially beer), can also trigger increased uric acid and gout flare-ups.
Gout attacks tend to come on suddenly, almost out of nowhere. Symptoms can peak for several days, then gradually subside over the following few weeks. During a gout flare-up, you may experience:
Gout can cause discomfort that’s so severe, even the slightest touch, like from slipping on your socks, can become unbearably painful. But with the help of the dedicated podiatrists at Premier Foot & Ankle, you can get fast and effective gout treatments.
When you meet with your dedicated podiatrist at Premier Foot & Ankle, they evaluate your feet and ankles and talk with you about your symptoms. They may also need X-ray, ultrasound, or laboratory testing to confirm gout and rule out other conditions.
Depending on the severity of your gout flare-up and your gout history, you may need any of the following treatments.
Once your podiatrist helps you get your current gout attack under control, they talk with you about preventive measures. Learning which purine-rich foods to avoid, drinking more water, and taking long-term gout medications can all help prevent future gout flare-ups.
If you’re experiencing a gout flare-up or have a history of gout, the team at Premier Foot & Ankle can help. Click on the online booking feature or call your closest clinic to book a visit.
