Gout is a common type of inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects men, especially at old age, and women after menopause. It is caused by buildup levels of uric acid crystals in the bloodstream. These crystals form in and around the joints and pave way for arthritis. It causes sudden attacks of severe pain that can be debilitating.
We all have urate in our blood which is considered normal and healthy. Of our body’s daily urate, three-fourths is produced by our body and the remaining comes from the food we take. The undesired urate levels are cleared by our kidneys and flushed out. However, if your body is creating higher levels of urate, then your kidneys won’t be able to flush them out.
When the urate levels become higher in our bodies, urate crystals start forming. They mainly form in the cartilages that are securing the bone joints, under the skin, and in your internal organs. When they add up, these tiny, hard, crystals spill out and damage the synovium that gives you lots of pain, inflammation, and swelling.
How It Affects You?
Gout attacks vary for everyone. While some may experience it occasionally, some get it every few months. However, if you are not getting treatment for this, you may have this attack quite often.
Moreover, the high levels of urate levels may also affect the parts of your body and leads to health conditions like osteoarthritis, kidney stones, increased risk of prostate cancer, hypothyroid, depression, and erectile dysfunction, and it also narrows the arteries which lead to increased risk of heart problems.
Signs and Symptoms
While any joints could be affected by gouty arthritis, it mainly affects the joints that are towards the end of the limbs like ankles, toes, fingers and knees. It won’t be noticeable except for an attack of gout. If you get one, the symptoms will be there for five to seven days.
Common symptoms include:
- Intense pain anywhere in the joints especially in the big toe.
- There will be swelling, tenderness, and inflammation in the affected place.
- Reduced range of motion and it will be painful to move.
- Though the pain leaves, you will still feel discomfort in the affected joints.
If you think that you are having any of these symptoms, you may be suffering from Gout. Pay attention to your symptoms and try to get diagnosed by your Irvine Podiatrist. They will check you for swelling, inflammation, and tenderness. An X-ray may be needed to confirm the cause of the pain. A blood test also will be taken to know about the uric acid level in your blood.
Then your podiatrist will give you the treatment based on the diagnosis which may consist of the following treatments.
- Rest your foot on a higher level than usual.
- Anti-inflammatory medications to alleviate the pain and inflammation.
- If there is a chronic attack, cortisone injection will be given to the affected joints.
- If the Gout attack is serious, then your podiatrist Irvine will suggest you undergo surgery.
Risk Factors
As we have seen, high levels of uric acid cause Gout. When you know the factors that cause higher levels of uric acid in your body, it will be helpful for you to reduce the risk.
- Obese
- Over intake of red meat and shellfish.
- Alcohol
- Not taking medications for other health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart or kidney disease.
- Taking a lower dose of aspirin.
- Family history of Gout
- Man of above 30 – 50 years.
Treatment
If you suspect that you have Gout or your pain becomes worse and you have a high temperature, then it is time to visit your podiatrist.
If you are in Irvine or book an appointment with Orange County Podiatrist, Dr. Sima Soltani. They offer a variety of sophisticated treatments at a reasonable cost. Treatments include surgery and treatment of bunions, plantar warts, ankle sprains, hammertoes, customized orthotic shoes, and foot trauma. Check their website to know about your insurance and seek their help if you need any.
How to Prevent?
There are some ways to prevent Gout attacks. Follow these tips even if you already had Gout attacks or having attacks quite often.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Include lots of vegetables and fruits.
- Limit the intake of red meat and high-fat dairy products.
- Include moderate exercise.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
