What are the symptoms of gout?
Gout causes sudden, sometimes severe, bouts of pain, swelling, and redness. Although gout can affect any of your joints, the joint at the base of your big toe is the most commonly affected.
Many people experience an intense burning pain followed by lingering discomfort that can last for several weeks. Gout can prevent you from moving the affected joint and make it impossible to wear shoes without pain.
What causes gout?
Gout is a common type of arthritis that results from an accumulation of uric acid. Your body naturally produces uric acid and normally passes it through your kidneys into your urine.
In some cases, your body might produce too much uric acid or excrete too little. High levels of uric acid cause sharp urate crystals to accumulate in your joint, resulting in gout.
Although gout can affect anyone, there are a number of factors that increase your risk. Diets rich in meats, seafood, sugary drinks, and alcohol can increase the level of uric acid in your blood. Other risk factors include:
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Kidney disease
- Family history
Men between the ages of 30 and 50 are also at higher risk of developing gout. Women typically have lower levels of uric acid and don’t usually develop gout until after menopause.
How is gout diagnosed?
At Mercer Ocean Podiatry, your diagnosis begins with a physical exam and a discussion of your symptoms and medical history. The team may perform a number of additional tests to rule out other conditions and confirm your diagnosis. These tests include:
- Blood test
- Joint fluid test
- X-ray
- Ultrasound
- CT scan
After your diagnosis, your provider determines the most effective way to treat your condition. Treatment depends on both the severity and frequency of your symptoms.
How is gout treated?
Gout causes severe pain that can drastically limit your mobility. Mercer Ocean Podiatry offers cortisone injections to alleviate gout symptoms. This simple treatment effectively reduces pain and swelling within 12 to 24 hours.
In addition to cortisone injections, your treatment may also include medication to control pain, improve uric acid removal, or prevent excess uric acid production.
To speak with a foot and ankle specialist about treating your gout, book an appointment at Mercer Ocean Podiatry by phone or online today.
