Gout

What causes gout? 

Gout is an inflammatory arthritic condition triggered by a reaction to uric acid buildup. Uric acid is a byproduct of purine digestion — purines are found in red meat, organ meat, seafood, and alcohol, to name a few. Usually, your body just flushes out uric acid through waste. 

But if your kidneys aren’t functioning properly, uric acid may reach abnormally high levels. Uric acid levels can also surge if you have a diet that’s full of purine-rich foods. 

When uric acid builds up and circulates in your blood, it tends to crystallize in cooler areas, like your extremities. This is why gout most commonly affects the coolest points in your body like your ankles, feet, and toes. 

Gout usually affects men between the ages of 30-50. Women can develop gout, too, but usually, it doesn’t occur until after menopause. 

When should I see a podiatrist for gout?

Gout attacks come on strong and sudden. Pain isn’t your only concern when it comes to gout though. When left untreated, gout can damage tissues in your joints, which can lead to permanent joint disfigurement and stiffness. 

It’s important to schedule a gout evaluation at North Star Foot & Ankle Associates if you have a history of gout since your podiatrist can help you take measures to lower your risk of a future gout flare-up. You should come in right away if you’re experiencing any of the following issues:

• Limited range of motion in your toes or ankles
• Tenderness or inflammation
• Redness or swelling

The leading podiatrists at North Star Foot & Ankle Associates offer a wide variety of innovative gout treatment solutions, so you can expect fast and effective relief. 

Is there an effective gout treatment?

Absolutely! Gout treatment combines several different therapies to help you get the pain relief you need, while also preventing further gout issues. Your gout treatment plan from North Star Foot & Ankle Associates may include:

• Dietary counseling
• Personalized exercises 
• Rest, ice, and elevating your foot
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Colchicine or indomethacin medications to relieve gout inflammation
• Drugs to improve uric acid excretion, such as probenecid or febuxostat

It’s also important to drink plenty of water when you have gout, so your body can effectively eliminate uric acid. With so many gout treatments available at North Star Foot & Ankle Associates, you can recover from the most agonizing of gout flare-ups. 

Before suffering from gout another day, see how the team at North Star Foot & Ankle Associates can help. Book your gout exam online or over the phone today.