Gout Specialist

Why does gout occur?

Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when uric acid levels surge in your body. Uric acid is a normal byproduct of purine digestion — purines are found primarily in red meats, seafood, and alcohol.

When uric acid circulates and reaches cooler areas, like your feet, it crystalizes. This leads to sharp, jagged crystals that take up space in your joints, especially your big toe.

Of course, if you have a diet that’s high in purine-rich foods, your risk of suffering from gout increases. But gout can also be associated with:

• Gender (it’s more common in men)
• Obesity or being overweight
• Family history of gout
• Poor kidney function

In some cases, gout is linked to your prescription medications. For instance, if you take water pills (diuretics) for high blood pressure, you can wind up with abnormally high uric acid levels and thus, a higher risk of gout.

What are the symptoms of gout?

One of the most notorious signs of gout is a sudden onset of extremely intense, sharp, throbbing foot pain. Gout can also lead to:

• Warmth over the joint
• Inflammation and swelling
• Difficulty walking or standing
• Joint redness and stiffness

Even though gout most commonly affects your big toe, it can certainly affect other joints, including your ankles. Gout symptoms can peak for several days, then gradually subside over a couple of weeks. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, schedule a gout exam at AllCare Foot & Ankle Center right away.

How is gout treated?

Your gout treatment plan from Dr. Tran is entirely personalized to your health history and current gout symptoms. Combining the following therapies is often helpful for gout sufferers:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Medications to minimize uric acid buildup
• Painkiller medications for gout
• Topical pain-relieving creams
• Corticosteroid medications
• Activity modifications
• Dietary counseling

At AllCare Foot & Ankle Center, Dr. Tran works diligently to ensure your current gout flare-up is under control while helping you prevent a future gout attack. Rest assured, you can get the gout relief you need at AllCare Foot & Ankle Center.

Book your gout examination at AllCare Foot & Ankle Center, and get started on treatment right away. You can conveniently book your gout appointment either online or over the phone.