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Gout is one of the most painful types of arthritis that often starts in the joint at the big toe. At West Beverly Podiatry Group in Montebello and Duarte, California, Michael Vega, DPM, Johnny Huang, DPM, and the team provide patient-centered care for gout, creating plans focusing on preventing and managing gout flare-ups. For help with your gout, call West Beverly Podiatry Group or schedule an appointment online today.
Gout Q&A
What is gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis that causes joint inflammation, stiffness, and pain. Unlike other forms of arthritis, gout comes and goes. During a gout flare-up, called a gout attack, you have sudden, intense, and severe joint pain.
Though gout may occur in any joint in the body, it most often affects the joint at the big toe. During an attack, the pain develops suddenly, causing the joint to swell and become extremely tender.
A gout attack may last up to two weeks.
What causes gout?
Gout occurs when you have too much uric acid in your blood. Uric acid is a byproduct of the breakdown of purines, chemicals naturally found in the body. Purines are also present in food.
Normally, your kidneys remove uric acid from your blood and eliminate it through urination. When you have too much uric acid in the blood, the acids form into sharp crystals that settle in the joints, causing pain, inflammation, and swelling.
People may develop gout if their body naturally makes too much uric acid or their kidneys cannot remove it from the blood fast enough. You’re at greater risk of developing gout if it runs in your family or you have diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disease.
When should I see a podiatrist for gout?
You should see the team at West Beverly Podiatry Group if you have joint pain and inflammation in your foot and suspect gout or you have a gout attack. The team reviews your symptoms, medical history, and family history.
Your podiatrist examines your feet and ankles and may take X-rays or run lab work to confirm your joint pain is due to gout.
What treatments can help manage gout?
The team at West Beverly Podiatry Group creates individualized plans to help you manage your gout. Treatment includes preventive therapies and pain management during flare-ups.
Your preventive gout treatment plan may include medication that lowers uric acid in the blood and diet modifications to reduce purine intake. The team recommends anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroid injections during a gout attack to alleviate pain and inflammation.
Prevention is the best way to manage gout. For patient-centered care from a team that takes a preventive approach to foot health, call West Beverly Podiatry Group or schedule an appointment online today.