Gout

Gout flare-ups cause severe joint pain, most often affecting the joint at the big toe. At Specialized Foot and Ankle Care in Carteret, Perth Amboy, and Edison, New Jersey, podiatrists Ankur Bahri, DPM, and Sandeep Sandhu, DPM, help you find relief from your gout pain and reduce the risk of flare-ups. Call the office nearest you today or schedule your gout consultation online.

What is gout?

Gout develops from a buildup of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is created during the breakdown of purines, chemicals found naturally in the body and in foods like red meat, organ meats, and shellfish.

A gout flare-up can occur in any joint but most often affects the big toe.

What causes gout?

Gout develops from a buildup of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is a byproduct of the breakdown of purines, chemicals found naturally in the body and in foods like red meat, organ meats, and shellfish.

The kidneys normally filter uric acid from the blood and eliminate it from the body in urine. If you make too much uric acid or the kidneys can’t efficiently remove it, its blood levels rise.

The excess uric acid crystallizes in the blood, and the crystals are deposited in a joint, causing pain, inflammation, and redness. The joint pain is called a gout attack, which can last a week or longer.

You’re more likely to develop gout if it runs in your family. It’s also more common in people with diabetes, obesity, and kidney disease. Men are more likely than women to have gout.

When should I see a foot and ankle specialist for gout?

The podiatrists at Specialized Foot and Ankle Care can help you during a gout attack. They review symptoms, medical history, and diet. They personalize your plan, making recommendations that reduce the length and severity of a gout attack.

Treating a gout attack can include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Colchicine (gout medication that relieves intense pain)
• Corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation

To get the best results, seek treatment for your gout attack right away. Colchicine works best when given in the first 24 hours of an attack.

How can I prevent gout flare-ups?

You can’t prevent all gout flare-ups, but you can take steps to reduce their frequency. The Specialized Foot and Ankle Care team talks to you about preventive measures for managing gout like limiting foods high in purines.

Your primary care doctor can prescribe medication that lowers uric acid levels in your blood.

At Specialized Foot & Ankle Care, Dr. Sandhu or Dr. Bahari treat patients for bunions, diabetic foot care, athlete foot, sports injuries, heel pain, and more. We are a foot and ankle specialist practice located in New Jersey. Call us to book your appointment today.