Gout Specialist

Why do I have gout?

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:

• Obesity
• Dehydration
• Diabetes
• Chemotherapy
• High blood pressure
• Poor kidney function
• Family history of gout
• Certain medications, like diuretics

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.

What are the symptoms of gout?

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:

• Severe tenderness
• Warmth to the touch
• Sudden redness
• Intense pain

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.  

Which gout treatment do I need?

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.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Uric acid-lowering medications
• Prescription painkillers
• Steroid medications

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.