Gout

What triggers a gout attack?

Having gout means that painful, jagged uric acid crystals build up in your joints. Uric acid is a natural substance that’s left over after your body metabolizes purines. Usually, purines are found in red meats, seafood, and alcoholic beverages, especially beer.

In most cases, your body just flushes away that uric acid through waste. However, if you have poor-functioning kidneys, if you produce too much uric acid, or if you just have a diet high in purines, uric acid levels surge, which triggers a gout attack.

The problem is that when uric acid circulates through your bloodstream, it crystalizes in cooler areas. Because your toes, feet, and ankles are the furthest points from your heart, blood flow is limited and thus, these areas are cooler.

Your risk of gout also increases if you have a family history of gout, if you’re male, or if you’re overweight.

How do I know if I have gout?

If you’re seemingly healthy and then one day, you have stabbing pains in your feet or ankles that almost knock you off your feet, you might have gout. That’s how intense the pain is when an attack strikes. Gout can also lead to any of the following issues in your affected joint:

• Inflammation
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Limited range of motion

Gout attacks peak rather quickly. As the pain subsides, your symptoms can persist for several weeks. Because untreated gout can lead to chronic inflammation and a permanent joint deformity, schedule an evaluation at Aesthetic Podiatry & Sports Medicine Center if you currently have gout or have a prior history of gout.

Can I get treatment for gout?

Absolutely! At Aesthetic Podiatry & Sports Medicine Center, Dr. Rivera understands how much gout can seriously start lowering your quality of life. She sits and talks with about all of the possible treatment options and works with you to find an effective treatment package. Getting relief from gout and preventing future flare-ups can include:

• Corticosteroids, either oral or injected
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Prescription medications to relieve gout pain
• Medications to block uric acid production or to improve uric acid removal

Dr. Rivera also counsels you about your diet. She lets you know exactly which foods you need to avoid to prevent any more issues with gout.

Before your gout starts lowering your quality of life, book an evaluation at Aesthetic Podiatry & Sports Medicine Center. Click on the online scheduler, or call the office directly.