Our office identifies and treats gout. We perform testing and may refer you to your primary care physician for long term treatment.
If you are afflicted with the medical condition referred to as gout, it may be a result of specific lifestyle habits. It will typically affect the joint in the bottom of the big toe, and is considered to be a form of arthritis. It may develop when the uric acid levels in the blood are elevated, and crystals may commonly form in the joints of the feet. This may produce severe pain and discomfort, and performing daily activities that include walking and running may prove to be extremely difficult. In addition to genetic traits contributing as a factor, there are several reasons why excess uric acid may form in the blood. These may include ingesting an overabundance of alcohol, eating too much red meat or shellfish, or having an inadequate amount of vitamin C in your diet. Treatment techniques may include elevating the foot to reduce any swelling, or using anti-inflammatory medicines that may provide moderate relief. If you are afflicted with this condition, it’s strongly suggested to speak with a podiatrist as quickly as possible so a proper diagnosis can be performed and correct treatments options can begin.
Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. John Hoy from Seattle Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.
Symptoms
Intense Joint Pain – Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
Lingering Discomfort – Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
Limited Range of Motion – May experience a decrease in joint mobility
Risk Factors
Genetics – If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
Medications – Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
Gender/Age – Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
Diet – Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
Alcohol – Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
Obesity – Obese people are at a higher risk for gout
Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms–including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Seattle, WA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis that is caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. This considered to be one of the most frequently recorded medical illnesses throughout history. Gout occurrences in the US have risen within the past twenty years and the condition now affects 8.3 million people which is 4% of all Americans. Researchers have found that gout affects men more than women and African-American men more than white men.
Symptoms of gout are warmth, swelling, discoloration, and tenderness in the affected joint area. The small joint on the big toe is the most common place for a gout attack to occur.
People who are obese, gain weight excessively, drink alcohol heavily, have high blood pressure, or have abnormal kidney function are more likely to develop gout. Furthermore, certain drugs and diseases are likely to increase levels of uric acid in the joints which eventually leads to gout. You are also more likely to develop gout if you eat a lot of meat and fish.
Many who experience gout attacks will experience repeated attacks over the years. Some people who have gout symptoms, may never have them again, but others may experience them several times a year. If you have gout symptoms throughout the year, you may have recurrent gout. Those who have gout should also be careful about their urate crystals collecting in their urinary tract, because this may lead to kidney stones.
Diagnosis for gout is done by checking the level of uric acid in the joints and blood.
To treat gout, your podiatrist may also prescribe you Anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) which will relieve the pain and swelling of a gout episode and it can also shorten a gout attack. Maintaining a healthy diet is also a proven method to prevent gout attacks.
If your uric acid levels are high, your podiatrist may also refer you to your primary care physician for long-term medicine to reduce uric acid buildup in the blood, which will help prevent any gout attacks.