Gout is a form of arthritis that causes swelling and pain in your joints. It tends to mainly affect the big toes. It occurs when you have high uric acid levels, causing uric acid crystals to form and clump in your joints, resulting in pain. If you suffer from gout, turn to us at Mountain View Foot & Ankle for help.
A buildup of uric acid is what causes the symptoms of gout. You naturally make uric acid when your body breaks down purines, which are chemicals in certain foods and drinks. Your kidneys then filter that uric acid out of your blood and you eliminate it when you urinate.
In some cases, your body makes too much uric acid or your kidneys have difficulty filtering it all out. That leads to the formation of crystals, which can group together and cause episodes of severe pain. Although anyone can develop gout, being male as well as having diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease all increase your risk.
Eating certain foods can cause gout or make the condition worse. Foods that cause gout can include:
Certain seafood, including scallops, codfish, tuna, and trout, can also cause gout or make symptoms worse.
Some common gout symptoms include:
Gout attacks can be very painful and might last a week or two. Between attacks, most people don’t experience any gout symptoms.
To treat gout, some medications offer relief, including colchicine and corticosteroids. We can provide injections for severe cases. If you have recurrent gout, surgery on the affected joint can also be an option.
It’s also important to follow a gout diet that reduces your chances of having an attack. You want to limit red meat, avoid alcohol, and avoid foods that contain high fructose corn syrup.
Visit an El Monte Foot Doctor for Help with Gout
Our highly-trained team is here to answer questions and provide relief along with gout medication.
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