Painful Gout Attack in the Foot and Ankle
Gout is a disorder that results from the build-up of uric acid in the tissues or a joint, most often the joint of the big toe. An attack of gout can be miserable, marked by the following symptoms:1. Intense pain that comes on suddenly2. redness, swelling, and warmth over the jointGout attacks are caused by deposits of crystallized uric acid in the joint. Uric acid is present in the blood and eliminated in the urine. In people who have gout, the uric acid accumulates and crystallizes in the joint. Uric acid is the result of the breakdown of purines, chemicals that are found naturally in our bodies and in food. Some people develop gout because their kidneys have difficulty eliminating normal amounts of uric acid, while other develop too much uric acid.Gout attacks the big toe joint because uric acid accumulates in area of low temperature and since the big toe joint is farthest from the heart, it is the most likely target for gout.Consuming foods and beverages high in purines can trigger a gout attack. You may reduce the chance of getting a gout attack if you avoid or limit the comsumption of shellfish, liver, red wine, beer and red meat.Some people are predisposed to having gout, especially those with high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and stress. Some medications can increase gout attacks like diuretics or "water pills" as well as niacin or vitamin B3.In diagnosing gout at McKinney Foot & Ankle, either myself, Dr. Williams, or my partner, Dr. Silvers will take a detailed history and perform x-rays and lab tests.Treatment of gout includes prescription medications or injections to treat the pain, swelling and inflammation. Dietary restrictions of the above mentioned foods is suggested. Patients are advised to also drink plenty of fluids, while avoiding alcoholic beverages. Also, by avoiding walking, elevating and icing the foot will aid in the reduction of symptoms.Symptoms of gout usually resolve in 3-10 days with treatment. If gout symptoms continue despite initial treatment, or if repeated attacks occur, daily medication may be required for an extended period of time.Surgery is sometimes required to remove the uric acid crystals and repair the joint. At McKinney Foot & Ankle, the surgeons, Dr. Williams or Dr. Silvers, will determine the procedure that would be most beneficial in your case. We have extensive experience in surgically treating gout in the foot and ankle.
Once you have started treatment and diet changes, it is important to know that the treatment and dietary changes are ongoing. Stopping the medication and returning to the pre-gout diet is simply inviting another flareup. Recurrent gouty arthritic flares can cause damage to the joint(s) affected. The Foot and Ankle Specialists at Advanced Foot and Ankle in McKinney and Prosper, Texas treat many Texas with gout.
Dr. Kory Williams or Dr. Eric Silvers can be reached at 972-542-2155 or you may visit our website at http://www.advancedfoottexas.com/.We have office locations in both McKinney and Proper, Texas
Eric M. Silvers, DPM, PA
Board Certified Foot and Ankle Specialist
Advanced Foot and Ankle Center
McKinney, Texas
Prosper, Texas
http://www.advancedfoottexas.com
972-542-2155
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