Dr. Mathew John directs and sees patients daily at his practice, Ankle and Foot Centers, PC in Marietta, GA, and treats gout conditions. Our doctor diagnoses and treats various other foot and ankle problems. Read on for more information about gout and we can help.
What Is Gouty Arthritis?
Ankle and Foot Centers, PC in Marietta, GA, may explain that gout is a painful type of arthritis called gout, caused by a buildup of uric acid. Uric acids are sharp crystals that target the joints of the knees, ankles, hands, wrists, elbows, and especially the foot.
The following symptoms may come and go, or you have a flare-up with no symptoms.
- Intense pain in the toe joint
- Joint swelling
- Skin redness, discoloration
- Stiffness
- Tenderness
- Warmth
Causes and Steps Towards Attacks
- The body naturally makes uric acid as it creates purines by breaking down chemicals in some foods and beverages.
- Uric acid is filtered from the blood by the kidneys when you urinate.
- The kidneys can’t entirely filter all excess uric acid from the blood.
- Uric acid targets your joints, builds up, and settles there.
Risk Factors
Your risk factors for developing gout include the following.
- Males at higher risk
- Females
- Obesity
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Kidney Disease
- Blood Cancer
- Hypertension
- Genetics
- Overeating red and organ meat, shellfish, codfish, tuna, trout, haddock, herring, scallops, mussels, animal skins, game meats, turkey, gravy, meat sauces
- Too much alcohol
- Taking water pills, immunosuppressants
- Sugary drinks, foods
- High fructose corn syrup
How Is It Diagnosed?
Our doctor performs a physical exam, asks about your symptoms, and examines your joints. He may also order imaging tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, CT scans, blood tests, and possibly take a fluid sample from your joint.
Treatment Options and Prevention
This condition is best treated through lifestyle changes by avoiding foods and beverages with high purine content and a low-purine diet. Our doctor may order NSAIDs, Colchicine, or Corticosteroids. He may want to lower your uric acid levels by prescribing medications like Allopurinol, Febuxostat, Pegloticase or Probenecid.
Following your doctor’s orders can help prevent chronic and severe arthritis, joint deformity, permanent joint damage, kidney stones, and heart disease.
- Avoid alcohol, sugar, sweets
- Drink water in abundance
- Elevate affected joint above the heart
- Ice area
- Limit stress on extremities, decrease intense exercise and physical activity
Contact Us for More Information
If you experience symptoms, Dr. John can help! Call Ankle and Foot Centers, PC in Marietta, GA, at 770-977-3668 to schedule your gout appointment to treat and prevent further flare-ups. If you have other foot and ankle problems unrelated to gout, we can help!