Gout Specialist

What Is Gout?

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that occurs when too much uric acid builds up in the body. The buildup of uric acid can lead to sharp uric acid crystal deposits building up in the joints. Gout attacks are often caused by stressful events, drug or alcohol use, diet, or other illnesses. Gout most commonly develops in the big toe. The uric acid deposits can form lumps under the skin, which can also become very sore, red, warm to the touch and swollen. People who suffer from gout are often also susceptible to kidney stones. Gout can affect other parts of the body including the insteps, ankles, heels, knees, wrists, fingers, and elbows. Common symptoms of gout include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Heat
• Stiffness in joints.

How Is Gout Diagnosed?

If you think you are experiencing gout, you should make an appointment with one of the podiatrists at the Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Jersey. The doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and family history of gout. The podiatrist will run tests to screen for hyperuricemia and uric acid crystals in the joint fluid. The doctor will want to know if you have suffered from acute arthritis attacks or arthritis that only occurs in one joint, typically in the ankle or foot.

How Is Gout Treated?

The doctors at the Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Jersey often use medicines to treat an attack of gout, including:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Corticosteroids, such as prednisone
• Colchicine, which works best when taken within the first 12 hours of an acute attack.
• Sometimes doctors prescribe NSAIDs or colchicine in small daily doses to prevent future attacks. There are also medicines that lower the level of uric acid in the blood.

Your doctor will also make suggestions to help you avoid or reduce the severity of future gout attacks. Some of the advice may include:

• Take the medicines your doctor prescribes as directed.
• Plan follow-up visits with your doctor.
• Maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Avoid foods that are high in purines, and drink plenty of water.
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body weight. Ask your doctor about how to lose weight safely. Fast or extreme weight loss can increase uric acid levels in the blood.