Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis that usually affects the joint in the big toe. At Montgomery Podiatry in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, the team of podiatrists treats gout flare-ups, reducing pain and inflammation. Gout flare-ups cause severe pain and can last several days. To get relief from your gout pain, call Montgomery Podiatry or book an appointment online today. 

What is gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis. Arthritis refers to any condition that causes joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness.

Gout is an inflammatory arthritis that occurs when you have too much uric acid in your blood. Uric acid is a byproduct of purines, which are naturally found in your body and come from the food you eat.

When you have high blood levels of uric acid, it forms sharp needle-like crystals that settle into the joint, causing severe pain, inflammation, and swelling. Though gout may affect any joint in the body, it most often affects the joint at the big toe.

What causes gout?

Everyone makes uric acid. Normally, the uric acid dissolves in the blood and is excreted in your urine. You develop gout when your body makes too much uric acid or can’t get rid of it fast enough. 

Anyone can develop gout. However, you’re more likely to have this painful type of arthritis if it runs in your family or if you have diabetes, congestive heart failure, or high blood pressure.

You may also develop gout if you eat a lot of animal protein or consume a significant amount of alcohol.

What are the symptoms of gout?

Gout only causes symptoms during a flare-up, also called a gout attack. Symptoms develop quickly and cause intense pain, swelling, and redness. Any light touch may worsen your pain.

A gout attack may last up to two weeks. In-between gout attacks, you may have no symptoms or problems.

If you’re experiencing a gout attack, the team at Montgomery Podiatry can help.

What are the treatments for gout?

The team at Montgomery Podiatry provides treatment to reduce the severity of gout pain. Treatment may include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Colchicine to reduce inflammation (must take within the first 24 hours of attack)
• Steroid injections

The team at Montgomery Podiatry may also provide suggestions on how to prevent a gout attack. That might include modifying your diet to decrease the intake of foods high in purines (organ meats, beer, shellfish). 

Your podiatrist may also suggest talking to your primary care provider about medication that can lower your uric acid levels, reducing the risk of a gout attack.

To get relief during a gout attack, call Montgomery Podiatry or book an appointment online