What is Gout Foot?
Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs as a result of the build-up of uric acid in the body and the joint fluid ( hyperuricemia ). This accumulation of uric acid typically occurs when the body has difficulty processing certain protein substances called purines (PURE-EENS) that are found naturally in our diets.
The actual build-up of uric acid can result when the body has difficulty eliminating uric acid through the kidneys and urine, or in some cases, when the body produces too much uric acid. The tendency to accumulate uric acid is often hereditary. It can, however, skip an individual or even a generation and reappear in the children of someone who has no signs of gout. While it is most commonly seen in males between fifty and sixty years of age, gout does occur in females and in younger males.
Symptoms of Gout Foot
Gout usually starts with a sudden onset of intense pain in one or more joints, usually the big toe joint of the foot. The pain is accompanied by redness, swelling and warmth over the joint. Typically, the patient does not recall injuring the joint before the pain started. Many patients say they first noticed pain in the middle of the night or upon arising in the morning.
While symptoms most commonly occur in the big toe joint, any joint may be involved. Other common sites are the instep of the foot, the ankle, or the knee. When the foot is involved, wearing shoes is difficult and painful, as are attempts to move the joint or stand on the foot.
Treatment for Gout Foot Symptoms
Call us immediately. Let us know if you have a red, hot big toe joint (or other joint) and we will get you in right away. In the meantime, you should rest and not walk if you can avoid it. Putting a hot pad or an ice pack on the joint may ease the pain. Avoid any pressure on the foot – even the weight of sheets can be painful. Medicines that you can take without a prescription that reduce inflammation, such as aspirin or ibuprofen may help.
When you come to the office we will evaluate your foot to determine if the problem is gout or some other problem (such as an infection). We may have a blood draw done to check for infection and also to check the level of uric acid in your blood. Once we are confident the problem is gout we will prescribe medication that usually relieves the pain fairly rapidly – it will usually resolve completely within a few days. We will also provide treatment to limit the pain while you wait for the medicine to take effect.
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