Gout is a painful form of inflammatory arthritis that can affect anyone. This article explains the causes of gout and methods of managing and treating the symptoms.
If you are looking for an expert in foot health, feel free to contact Bluebonnet Foot and Ankle Institute. Our experts in Austin, Texas, can help guide you to fewer gout attacks and provide the medication you need to deal with the symptoms when they do arise.
Gout is a form of arthritis. It occurs when there is a build-up of uric acid in the body. It will often affect the big toe, but it can affect many of the other joints in the extremities, including your ankles.
Gout is caused by a build-up of uric acid in your body. Your body produces uric acid as you break down chemicals called purines. These chemicals are naturally found in certain foods and drinks.
The kidneys will normally filter out the uric acid and it will leave the body through the urine. However, it can build up when your body makes too much uric acid or when your kidneys can’t remove it fast enough.
When you have excessive levels of uric acid in your body, uric acid crystals can settle into your joints. As these crystals come together, they can cause sudden pain and swelling. Excess uric acid can also cause kidney stones, and the crystals can block the filtering tubes in the kidney, which could lead to kidney failure.
Excessive uric acid production does not always lead to gout.
Gout can affect anyone, but certain demographics and health conditions increase susceptibility. People assigned male at birth (AMAB) are three times more likely to develop gout than those assigned female at birth (AFAB). Typically, AFAB individuals don’t experience gout until after menopause.
Additionally, individuals with specific health conditions such as being overweight or obese, or those with congestive heart failure, diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), kidney disease, or blood cancer are at higher risk of developing gout.
You will be at a higher risk of developing gout if:
Uric acid crystals in your joints are the cause of gout attacks. Gout attacks come on suddenly and can be very painful. Other gout symptoms in your joints include the following:
An early diagnosis can help you get started with the treatment you need for gout. If gout is left untreated, it can lead to further problems, such as irreversible joint damage.
Our podiatrists at Bluebonnet Foot and Ankle Institute begin diagnosing gout through physical examination. They will ask you about your symptoms, such as when they began and how often you get a gout attack.
Further tests may include blood tests to measure uric acid levels. Imaging tests may also be done to look for joint damage. Possible imaging tests include X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI scans.
Medication is usually given to treat a gout attack. Medications that can help include the following:
Changes in your diet will be recommended to reduce the uric acid levels in your body. Avoiding high-purine foods such as meats and alcohol can help reduce uric acid levels. Other foods may be included in your diet to help reduce uric acid levels too.
In some cases, prescription medications can be used to help lower your uric acid levels. These include Allopurinol, Febuxostat, Pegloticase, and Probenecid.
Our podiatrists are experts in treating a range of foot and ankle conditions. If you are looking for gout treatment in the Austin, Texas, area, schedule an appointment with Bluebonnet Foot and Ankle Institute today. Our doctors can provide tailored treatment and management strategies to relieve your symptoms. Learn more about the differences between gout and arthritis.
Medically reviewed by Liza Chabokrow, DPM
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