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An estimated 9.2 million Americans have an inflammatory form of arthritis known as gout. At Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona, skilled podiatrists Antonius Su, DPM, and Alex Stewart, DPM, use on-site diagnostic tests to identify gout and create care plans to ease existing symptoms and prevent recurrent gout attacks. They combine medications and lifestyle changes to preserve your joint function and health. Call the Chandler, Arizona, office today to schedule a gout evaluation or book an appointment online.
What is gout?
Gout is a form of arthritis that develops when uric acid levels in your blood form needlelike crystals. The sharp crystals stab your joints, causing swelling, tenderness, and pain. Gout can affect any of your joints, but symptoms most often occur in the joint of your big toe.
Typically, uric acid dissolves in your blood and filters through the kidneys before leaving your body. The acid is responsible for breaking down purines that are found in red meats, seafood, alcohol, and fructose-sweetened drinks.
Consuming a lot of purine-rich products can lead to high levels of uric acid and trigger a gout attack. Other causes of gout include:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Family history of gout
- Heart or kidney disease
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Use of certain medications
Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona offers comprehensive care for gout. The podiatry team uses advanced diagnostic tests to confirm gout. Your provider customizes a care plan to relieve intense joint pain and prevent recurrent gout attacks.
What are the symptoms of gout?
In addition to intense pain, gout causes issues like joint swelling, redness, and reduced range of motion. Gout attacks can cause joint aches that last for several days or weeks. Subsequent attacks may affect more of your joints and last longer.
Without treatment, gout can become recurrent and eventually destroy your joints. You may also be at increased risk of kidney stones if uric acid crystals build up in your urinary tract.
Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona provides blood tests, X-rays, and other diagnostic technologies in-office to confirm gout. A team member may also draw a fluid sample from your painful joint to check for uric acid crystals.
How is gout treated?
Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona provides personalized treatment plans for gout.
Your provider can prescribe corticosteroids or other medications to treat existing symptoms of a gout attack. There are also medications available to block uric acid production to prevent additional attacks.
The team also recommends lifestyle and diet changes to keep your joints healthy. Your provider can suggest exercises that improve joint flexibility and help you manage your weight. You should also limit purine-rich foods and drinks in your diet.
Call Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona to schedule a gout consultation today, or book an appointment online.