Gout

Gout affects almost 10 million people in the United States. Anchal Dureja, DPM, and the podiatry team at Podo Care Foot & Ankle serve adults in Ashburn, Virginia, using the best available therapies and medications to reduce uric acid crystal formation. To schedule an appointment, call the office or book online today.

What is gout?

Gout is a common form of arthritis that typically appears in the big toe. There are four stages of gout:

Asymptomatic hyperuricemia

Asymptomatic hyperuricemia is a precursor to gout in which uric acid builds up in your blood. Uric acid is a normal metabolic waste product, though high levels can lead to the formation of uric acid crystals.

Acute gout

Acute gout, or a gout attack, occurs when uric acid crystals deposit into your joints and cause symptoms.

Interval gout

This stage is the interval between gout attacks. Though you may not experience pain, you can still have low levels of inflammation that damage your joints.

Chronic gout

Chronic gout occurs when uric acid levels remain consistently high. This typically occurs over several years but can be prevented with appropriate treatment.

Most people don’t know they have gout until they experience a gout attack. With proper treatment, your provider can reduce the pain and discomfort of gout and prevent future gout attacks.

What are the symptoms of gout?

Gout symptoms include:

• Sudden, severe pain
• Tenderness
• Redness
• Warmth
• Swelling

Uric acid crystals most often deposit in the joints of the big toe, causing visible changes in the skin, like redness and swelling. The area is often tender to the touch, and standing and walking worsen the pain.

What causes gout?

Gout develops when you have high uric acid levels in your blood, and your kidneys can’t excrete it properly in your urine. This may be due to:

• Genetic factors
• Other medical conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease
• Eating red meat and shellfish
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Consuming high amounts of fructose from fruit or sodas
• Obesity

In many cases, lifestyle changes can reduce the frequency and severity of gout attacks. Your provider may give you specific recommendations to prevent gout attacks based on your lifestyle and overall health.

What is the treatment for gout?

If your provider diagnoses you with gout, they may recommend one or more of the following treatment approaches to reduce your symptoms and break down the uric acid crystals in your joints:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief
• Corticosteroids for chronic gout
• Colchicine, allopurinol, or febuxostat to decrease uric acid production

Based on your symptoms, your provider works with you to identify which medications are best for your needs.

Put a stop to gout attacks with treatment from Podo Care Foot & Ankle. Call the office, or schedule your visit online today.