If you’ve ever woken up with intense pain, swelling, or redness in your big toe, you might be dealing with gout—a common yet often misunderstood condition.
At Carriero Foot and Ankle, your trusted podiatrists, we specialize in diagnosing and treating gout to help you get back on your feet. Here’s what you need to know about gout, its symptoms, and how our expert podiatrists can provide relief.
What Is Gout?
Gout occurs when uric acid forms crystals in the joints. This can lead to sudden, severe attacks of pain, often starting in the big toe. Gout is more common in men but can affect both genders. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Severe pain in the affected joint (often the big toe)
- Swelling and redness around the joint
- Warmth in the joint area
- Tenderness to the touch, making it difficult to walk
Causes and Risk Factors for Gout
Gout is primarily caused by an accumulation of uric acid in the body. There are several factors that can increase your risk, including:
- Diet: Consuming foods high in purines (such as red meat, shellfish, and alcohol) can increase uric acid levels in the blood.
- Obesity: Being overweight can lead to higher uric acid levels, which can contribute to the development of symptoms.
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can make it harder for your body to flush out excess uric acid.
- Family history: If you have a family history of gout, your chances of developing it are higher.
- Medications: Some medications, like diuretics, can raise uric acid levels.
- Age and gender: Gout is more common in men over 40, though women are at risk post-menopause.
How Our Podiatry Team in Encinitas Can Help With Gout
At Carriero Foot and Ankle, we offer comprehensive care for patients suffering from pain. Our approach to treatment includes:
- Accurate Diagnosis: Our doctors will examine your feet and take a detailed medical history. We may also recommend blood tests or joint aspiration to confirm the presence of uric acid crystals.
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids may be prescribed to manage pain and reduce inflammation. Long-term medications that help lower uric acid levels may also be recommended to prevent future attacks.
- Lifestyle and Dietary Changes: Our team can guide you on dietary changes that may help manage symptoms. Reducing alcohol consumption, eating more plant-based foods, and avoiding purine-rich foods can significantly improve your condition.
- Foot Care: Our doctors will provide advice on how to protect and care for your feet, including wearing proper footwear and orthotics.
- Surgical Interventions: In rare cases, if gout causes joint damage or deformity, surgical options may be necessary to remove uric acid crystals or repair damaged joints.
Why Choose Our Podiatry for Gout Treatment?
At Carriero Foot and Ankle, we take a personalized approach to treating gout. Our doctors have extensive experience managing foot and ankle conditions, ensuring that each patient receives the best care possible.
If you’re experiencing gout symptoms, don’t wait—gout won’t resolve on its own without proper care. Our doctors are experts in identifying gout and distinguishing it from other foot conditions like bunions or plantar fasciitis.
Contact Us Today for Gout Treatment
Don’t let gout keep you from enjoying all that the coast has to offer. At Carriero Foot and Ankle, we’re committed to helping you manage gout with compassionate, expert care. Schedule your appointment with our podiatrists today and take the first step toward pain-free living.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, through dietary changes, exercise, and possible medications gout can be effectively managed.
While gout can be managed and treated effectively, it is a chronic condition. Without proper treatment and lifestyle changes, gout attacks can become more frequent and severe over time.
Yes, gout can run in families. If you have a family history of gout, you may be at a higher risk.
Untreated gout can lead to joint damage, chronic pain, and the potential need for surgery.
