Gout
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Oklahoma Foot and Ankle Institute
Podiatrists & Foot & Ankle Surgeon located in Del City, OK
Gout, a form of arthritis, is most commonly known for causing sudden, severe attacks that lead to debilitating pain. Whether you have a history of gout, or are suddenly experiencing serious joint pain in your feet and ankles, the skilled podiatrists at Oklahoma Foot and Ankle Institute in Del City can help. Schedule your gout evaluation by clicking on the online booking feature or by calling the clinic to speak with a team member.
Gout Q & A
Why do I have gout?
Gout attacks stem from crystalized deposits of uric acid buildup in your joints. Your body is supposed to flush away uric acid through urine. But in some cases, uric acid circulates and continues to build up until you develop gout.
Your uric acid levels may surge if your kidneys can’t efficiently get rid of it, or if your system just produces too much of it. In some cases, you have high levels of uric acid because of your diet.
Uric acid forms as a byproduct when purines break down. So if you have a diet high in purine-rich foods — like organ meats, shellfish, red meat, and beer, for instance — you might have excess uric acid in your body and, thus, a higher risk of gout.
What are the symptoms of gout?
Uric acid is extremely sensitive to temperature changes. When uric acid is exposed to cooler temperatures, it’s more likely to turn into crystals. This is why gout tends to affect your big toe most commonly: It’s the furthest point from your heart and, therefore, the coolest part of your body.
But the condition can really occur in any of your joints, including your ankles, and can lead to:
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Warmth
- Inflammation
- Redness
Because gout attacks come on so suddenly and can last for weeks at a time, schedule an evaluation at Oklahoma Foot and Ankle Institute soon and get one step ahead of your gout flare-ups.
How is gout treated?
Treating gout involves combining acute pain relief options with medications and lifestyle changes to help you heal and prevent a future attack. Your dedicated podiatrist at Oklahoma Foot and Ankle Institute may offer several of the following gout treatments:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Dietary and nutrition counseling
- Medications to decrease uric acid production
- Medications to help your body flush away excess uric acid
Since continuing gout flare-ups can eventually lead to permanent arthritic damage in your joints, the team at Oklahoma Foot and Ankle Institute works diligently to help you find lasting gout relief.
Get relief from gout flare-ups by scheduling your evaluation at Oklahoma Foot and Ankle Institute today. Book online or over the phone.
