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Gout

Gout

Gout services offered in Fresno and Madera, CA

More than 9 million Americans have gout, a type of arthritis caused by excess uric acid production that leads to joint pain most commonly in the big toe. At Advanced Foot Care and Clinical Research Center, board-certified podiatrists Jay Mukker, DPM, FABPM, CWSP, and Gavin Lee, DPM, use conservative and minimally invasive treatments to relieve gout-related symptoms and improve the quality of life. To make an appointment, call the office in Fresno or Madera, California, or book online today. 

Gout Q & A

What is gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that results when your body produces too much or removes too little uric acid. Normally, your kidneys process uric acid out of your body with other waste, but with gout, high uric acid levels build up in your joints. 

Over time, that buildup results in severe joint pain, most often in the big toe, and mobility problems.

What are the symptoms of gout?

The symptoms of gout include:

  • Intense joint pain
  • Redness
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness
  • Warmth, or feeling like a joint’s “on fire”

During a flare-up, called a gout attack, you might experience several of these symptoms for weeks at a time.

Who is at risk of gout?

Gout can affect anyone, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

  • Being overweight
  • Having high blood pressure
  • Having diabetes
  • A family history of gout
  • Drinking a significant amount of alcohol
  • Eating lots of red meat

You’re also more likely to experience gout if you take prescription diuretics.

How is gout diagnosed?

To diagnose gout, your Advanced Foot Care and Clinical Research Center provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they happen and how long they last.

Next, your provider performs a physical exam, looking at your feet and toes for redness, swelling, and warmth. They also order bloodwork to assess the uric acid levels in your blood.

If necessary, your provider might also order X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI to get a closer look at your bones and joints and assess the damage.

How is gout treated?

Treatment of gout depends on several factors, including your age, the severity of your symptoms, and their effect on your daily routine. Your Advanced Foot Care and Clinical Research Center provider might recommend:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Colchicine, a medication that relieves gout inflammation and pain
  • Corticosteroids
  • Drugs to help lower the amount of uric acid in your body

Your provider might also recommend healthy lifestyle changes, such as drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration, exercising regularly to maintain a healthy weight, and drinking alcohol in moderation.

To receive gout treatment, make an appointment at Advanced Foot Care and Clinical Research Center. Call the office nearest you or book online today.