Gout Specialist

Metropolitan Foot and Ankle Specialists

Podiatrists located in Aurora, CO

Do you have episodes of sudden, severe pain in your big toe joint that make it difficult to walk? You may have gout: A form of arthritis that can cause long-term inflammation and discomfort. To manage your symptoms and find lasting relief, visit Metropolitan Foot and Ankle Specialists. With comprehensive medical and surgical care for patients in Aurora, Colorado, the practice offers proven and reliable treatment methods for gout and other foot- and ankle-related conditions. To book a consultation, call the office or schedule your appointment online today.

303-305-4757

Gout Q & A

What is gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that mostly affects the big toe joint of your foot. The condition is characterized by inflammation due to high levels of uric acid in your blood. People with gout often have attacks that are incredibly painful.

There are several stages of gout: asymptomatic hyperuricemia, which is the period before an attack; acute gout, which is when pain and inflammation spike; and interval gout, which is the time between episodes or attacks. Some people also have chronic gout, which causes them to experience more frequent attacks and ongoing pain.

What are the symptoms of gout?

Symptoms of gout vary depending on how long you’ve had the condition and what stage of gout you’ve reached. Some of the most common signs include:

Extreme joint pain: usually affects the large toe, but can occur in the ankles, knees, or fingers
Inflammation: redness and swelling in the affected joint
Mobility issues: inability to move the joint normally

Many people with gout also experience ongoing discomfort, even when the attack has passed.

What causes gout?

Gout is caused by a buildup of urate crystals in the joint, which is a result of high levels of uric acid in your blood. High uric acid blood levels can develop from dietary choices, like too much alcohol, meat, or seafood.

You’re more likely to develop gout if you’re overweight or if you have underlying medical conditions like metabolic syndrome, kidney disease, or heart disease. Gout may also run in families, and occurs primarily in men.

How is gout treated?

Gout is typically treated with medication. Your physician at Metropolitan Foot and Ankle Specialists can recommend the best course of treatment for your health history and symptoms. Medications may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and colchicine.

The key to treating gout is to help reduce inflammation in the joint and prevent future attacks with medication. Some people might also benefit from certain movement or stretching exercises that help to relieve pain and tenderness in the affected area.

To learn more about gout treatment and to have a personalized consultation with an expert foot and ankle specialist, call the office today or book an appointment online now.

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