Gout from a Foot and Ankle Doctor’s Perspective

What is Gout?

Gout is a condition where there is a buildup of uric acid crystals in your body.  These crystals subside within the joints and can cause pain and swelling to the one or multiple areas of the body.  Overtime, a long term presence of gouty crystals can cause a break down of joints resulting in arthritis.

Where is Gout found?

Gout can be found in any part of the body.  As foot and ankle physicians, it is most likely seen in the big toe joint, the midfoot and sometimes in the back of the heelby the Achilles tendon.

Signs and Symptoms of Gout

Gout presents as a swollen, red, and painful joint.It does not get better with rest or elevation.  It can be so sensitive that even a slight touch can cause extreme shooting pains through your body.

Other causes of swollen joints can be from trauma, infection, or arthritic joints.

Besides a red, hot,swollen joint,you can also have elevated uric acid levels.  From personal experience, uric acid is not a reliable indicator to say if you have gout.  However, it is always great to have a baseline, so we can monitor it.

The other causes for gout are diet, family history of gout, or certain medications can trigger a gout flare up.  If you notice that you overindulged with alcohol, shell fish or red meat, you can trigger a gout flare up.

How to Treat Gout?

For acute flare ups, gout is best treated with oral anti-inflammatories.  If there is residual pain after the initial treatment, cortisone injections can help with the inflammation and pain.

If you have flare upshappening multiple times a year, then it is time to consider medication.  If you have tried changing your diet and nothing has helped, starting a gout medication can help resolve the excessive uric acid levels.

I've had Gout one time; Do I need gout medication?

From my experience, the answer is no.  Sometimes, gout attacks can be a one time thing.  If a gout attack occurs again within the same year, then I would consider changing your diet.  If you start having multiple gout attacks, within the same year, I would recommend gout medication. 

I have failed Allopurinol and other gout medications, now what?

If you have failed allopurinol and other gout medications you may qualify for an IV treatment  called Krystexxa.

We treat patients with gout from Summerlin, Henderson, Boulder City, North Las Vegas, and the Greater Las Vegas Valley.

Call us at 702-997-9833 today.

Author

Priya Samant, DPM Priya Samant, DPM, is a podiatrist working at Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Institute in Henderson, Nevada. Originally from Northern California, Dr. Samant now considers Las Vegas her home. Dr. Samant attended the University of San Francisco, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in biology. She then attended Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago and spent nearly a decade training in the Midwest. Dr. Samant gained her podiatric experience at Providence Hospital in Southfield, Michigan. She spent three years training in diabetic limb salvage, wound care, and Charcot's foot. She also treats foot and ankle pathologies from ingrown toenails to plantar fasciitis and trauma. Dr. Samant takes the time and effort to provide her patients with the most functional and effective treatment plans to ensure a speedy recovery. She has been practicing in Las Vegas for several years. When Dr. Samant is not working, she is spending time with her two daughters and husband. She loves to hike, cook, and