Gout

About 8.3 million adults in the United States live with gout, which can become very painful when not treated. At Prime Foot and Ankle Care in South Brunswick, New Jersey, Nrupa Shah, DPM, offers an array of gout treatments to ease joint discomfort, improve mobility, and enhance your quality of life. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today. 

What is gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis that often affects a joint in your big toe, though it can cause pain in other joints (wrists, fingers, knees, ankles, elbows, etc.).

Gout is characterized by sudden swelling, redness, pain, and tenderness caused by high uric acid levels in your bloodstream. Gout symptoms may come and go and can become debilitating when left untreated. See Dr. Shah to seek life-altering relief.

What are the symptoms of gout?

Gout symptoms may include:

• Intense joint pain, often in the big toe
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Warmth
• Redness
• Reduced range of motion
• Lingering pain

These symptoms often appear suddenly, especially at night. The affected joint might feel like it’s on fire. Gout attacks often last 1-2 weeks. When not treated, this form of arthritis could contribute to joint damage, heart problems, or kidney stones.

What are the risk factors for gout?

Examples of gout risk factors include:

• High uric acid levels
• Drinking alcohol
• Eating lots of red meat, seafood, or organ meat
• Consuming sugar-sweetened drinks
• Carrying excess body weight
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Metabolic syndrome
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Blood cancer
• Taking certain medications
• Being male
• Being post-menopausal (women)
• Family history of gout

Your risk of gout is also higher if you’ve experienced recent trauma or surgery. Some people develop a gout flare after receiving a vaccination. 

How is gout diagnosed?

Dr. Shah diagnoses gout by discussing your symptoms, reviewing your medical history, and examining your joints. She may order blood testing, joint fluid tests, an ultrasound, an MRI, a CT scan, on-site X-rays, or other diagnostic tests to confirm a diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment.

How is gout treated?

Your individualized gout treatment plan may consist of:

• Dietary changes
• Avoiding alcohol
• Nixing sugary drinks (choose water instead)
• Healthy weight management
• Medications

In addition to eating nutritious foods, it’s helpful to limit or avoid red meat, organ meat, and seafood. Exercise regularly by choosing low-impact activities that are easy on your joints. Follow up with Dr. Shah to ensure an effective, long-lasting outcome.

Schedule a gout evaluation at Prime Foot and Ankle Care by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.