What is Gout? Our Podiatrist Answers

What is gout? Gout is a painful arthritic condition that affects the joints in the big toe, ankle, and knee and causes severe pain and swelling. The condition can happen to anyone, but is more common in individuals with existing arthritis. Our podiatrist explains what triggers gout and how to get treatment for it to prevent joint damage.

What Causes Gout?

Gout is caused by an elevation of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down purines, which are present in many foods and occur naturally in the body.

This elevation can either be caused by overproduction of uric acid by the body or if the kidneys fail to filter it out properly. The excess uric acid solidifies into sharp crystals, which get stuck in the joints, causing inflammation and gout attacks.

Symptoms of Gout

Your risk of gout increases with consumption of high-purine foods, such as red meat, organ meats, and gravies. Sugar consumption, being obese, and arthritis are also risk factors for developing gout. Symptoms of gout include:

Intense pain in the affected joint
Stiffness or difficulty moving
Redness, swelling, or lumps around the joint
Joint discomfort following intense pain

Proper Treatments & Prevention

During a gout attack, you should treat it with ice and elevate the affected joint. In addition, you should also:

Avoid sugar, alcohol, and high-purine foods.
Rest and let the joint calm down.
Take ibuprofen or another pain reliever like Tylenol to relieve your pain.

It’s important to talk to our doctor as soon as possible to begin treatment. Treatments may include medications to reduce uric acid levels. If left untreated, gout can limit movement, damage your joints, and even cause kidney damage. It is also critical to address other associated health risks, such as obesity, kidney disease, and heart disease.

What Is Gout? Contact Us Today To Learn More!

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about hammertoe and other topics related to podiatry, feel free to contact Dallas Podiatry Works, with a convenient podiatry office in Dallas, TX, by calling 972.564.8556 or by clicking here.

The doctor has great “bedside manners” when talking to patients. Great staff and comfortable atmosphere.

Derrick W.

The staff at Dallas Podiatry Works could not have been more courteous, helpful, and professional in doing their job. They made me feel comfortable when I was there, which is certainly appreciated. They answered all the questions that I had and just made each visit the most pleasurable that it could be. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing this type of foot care.

Joseph B.

I would highly recommend Dr. Brook to anyone with foot problems–especially problems that stump other podiatrists. He really is very caring and very knowledgeable.

Jeannette H.

Dr. Joel Brook and the staff were nice and helpful. Though I was a new patient, I got right in as soon as they were open in my preferred location. They diagnosed the problem and provided medicines along with a perfect gel bandage so I could keep exercising while my toes healed. My toes already hurt less and look a little better each day. If I have future issues, I will be a repeat customer. Here’s hoping I don’t, but at least I know my feet are in good hands.

Meryl E.

I visited this office for an ingrown toe nail a few years ago. After seeing another doctor, who made it worse, he referred me to Dallas Podiatry Works. The doctor there was able to fix my problem. I’m not great with reviews, all I can tell you is that this doctor and staff will have you up and running or doing whatever it is you do in no time. You will be in great hands. You’d be a fool not to use this doctor. Now its time to visit him again for the other toe.

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Been having bad ankle pains for 6 months was referred here and it was a great visit ladies in the front desk medical assistants and the Doctor were all very friendly and make you feel very comfortable.