Gout

While gout is considered the result of arthritis, it is truly caused by a build-up or uric acid in places like the foot, ankle, big toe, wrist, elbow, and other related joints.

Learn the what you can do if you have gout.

Causes of Gout

Due to the fact that men have more uric acid in their bodies, they are three times more likely to get gout. Women are more likely to get it later in their lives after age 50 or so. You may be more susceptible to get gout if you have a family history of gout, hypertension, diabetes or consume a lot of alcohol, taking water pills or are obese.

Uric acid build-up happens when your body creates too much of it and the kidneys cannot expel it all out of the body properly. This uric acid builds up in joints as little crystals which cause intense pain when a gout flare-up occurs.

Gout Attacks

These can come on quite quickly, and you may experience intense pain in joints such as the knee, elbow, wrist, foot, ankle or even the big toe. The area may become stiff, start to swell and be very sensitive to even the smallest touch. The joint may also start to feel warm.

Treatments for Gout

In some cases, gout can be treated by taking a steroid or getting a steroid injection to relieve the pain. NSAIDs may help with inflammation if you are cleared to take them. There are also medications that will help lower the amount of uric acid in the body.

You can also work to prevent gout attacks by staying active and eating healthy to keep your weight at a good place. In addition, be careful not to eat a lot of animal proteins or drink excess of alcohol. You may wish to contact us if you are having a gout attack. We can help you find pain relief and get you on the road to less gout flares in the future.