What causes gout?
Gout is a complex form of arthritis that begins when you have an excess amount of uric acid circulating in your body. Uric acid is the compound that’s left over after purines are metabolized.
If your diet is high in purine-rich foods including red meats, seafood, organ meats, and even alcohol, your uric acid levels can spike.
Being overweight or having decreased kidney functions can also lead to higher-than-normal uric acid levels. This uric acid tends to build up in areas that are cooler and ultimately forms pain-causing jagged crystals.
Since your feet and ankles are the furthest points from your heart, blood flow is limited and thus, they’re a little cooler than other parts of your body. This is why gout most commonly affects feet and ankle joints, especially the big toe.
How do I know if I have gout?
One of the primary complaints among gout sufferers is a sudden onset of intense, overbearing pain in their feet and ankles. This pain is often mistaken for rheumatoid or osteoarthritis.
Gout attacks come on quickly and can last for anywhere from 3-10 days. During this time, you may experience:
- Joint swelling and tenderness
- Redness or warmth over the joint
- Difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot
Gout pain can become so severe, you may find that even the slightest touch or amount of pressure, even from your bed sheets, causes agonizing pain. It isn’t just pain you need to worry about though. If left untreated, ongoing gout attacks can lead to permanent joint damage.
Can I get treatment for gout?
Yes. At Flatlands Foot Care, Dr. Shwer provides you with a comprehensive gout treatment plan that treats your acute attack and focuses on preventing future gout flare-ups. Your gout treatment plan may include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroid injections for immediate pain relief
- Bracing or splinting
- Dietary counseling
There are also plenty of preventive prescription medications available that can decrease the amount of uric acid your body produces, improve uric acid filtering through your kidneys, or reduce your overall uric acid levels.
Dr. Shwer works diligently to put together a treatment plan that’s tailored to your specific diagnosis and symptoms.
Schedule your gout evaluation at Flatlands Foot Care today. Book either online or over the phone.
