Foot Care 2 You
Trusted Podiatrists serving West Orange, NJ, Toms River, NJ, Bloomfield, NJ & Elmwood Park, NJ
If your big toe is swollen, red, and feels like it’s on fire, gout might be the issue. Gout is a type of arthritis, but it’s unlike other forms of the disease and needs specific treatment. The foot care experts at Foot Care 2 You, with locations in Toms River, Elmwood Park, West Orange, and Bloomfield, New Jersey, are here to help you overcome gout. Book your appointment with an experienced podiatrist by calling the office or clicking the online scheduler now.
REQUEST APPOINTMENT
Gout
What is gout?
Gout, sometimes referred to as gouty arthritis, is a painful condition caused by uric acid crystals in your joints. You can develop high uric acid levels because of your diet, your family history, or certain medications like diuretics. Usually, gout affects the main big toe joint, but it’s also fairly common in the ankles.
What are the symptoms of gout?
Gout symptoms aren’t constant, and, in fact, some sufferers go for months or even years between attacks. Usually, gout attacks begin at night. A gout attack can cause the following symptoms in and around the affected joint.
- Severe sudden pain
- Intense heat and burning
- Movement restriction
- Increased swelling
Some gout sufferers say that the affected joint looks and feels like it would after an injury. Gout attacks can last as long as 10 days, so it’s important to get help to avoid prolonged suffering.
How is gout diagnosed?
Your Foot Care 2 You podiatrist examines your foot, gently palpating the affected joint while reviewing your symptoms with you.
You want to give your Foot Care 2 You podiatrist as many details about your gout attacks as possible, including the duration and time of day they usually occur, as this can help verify that it’s gout.
Your podiatrist typically performs X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computerized tomography (CT) scans to determine the severity of gout.
How is gout treated?
Gout treatment depends on symptoms. Common treatments include:
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Anti-inflammatory injections, like corticosteroids
- Custom orthotics
- Prescription footwear
When you suffer from gout, it’s also important to control your uric acid level. This might mean reducing your red meat, shellfish, and salt consumption. You might also need oral medication to reduce uric acid levels in your body.
In the most severe cases of gout, you might need surgery. During gout surgery, your podiatrist removes the bony growth from the toe or ankle. If necessary, your podiatrist realigns the joint as well.
If you’re dealing with the burning, pain, and misery of gout, get in touch with the podiatry team at Foot Care 2 You. Call the office location nearest you or book your appointment online anytime.