Grapevine & Keller Tx Foot & Ankle Specialists Treating Gout

Content

• About Gout
• What Are The Risk Factors For Gout?
• What Increases Your Chances For Gout?
• Symptoms And Diagnosis Of Gout
• Signs Your Pain Is Likely Gout And Not Something Else

Cortisone injections and anti-inflammatory medication can ease symptoms. Diagnosis is achieved by the clinical examination and x-rays of the patient.Dr. Soomekh will listen to the patient’s complaints, symptoms, and goals. The examination involves a hands-on analysis of the patient’s foot and evaluating the joint. Digital radiographs (x-rays) of the feet will be obtained in the office and reviewed with the patient.

Is cheese bad for gout?

Dairy Foods and Gout
Full-fat dairy products like whole milk and ice cream are often discouraged for people with gout. However, studies have shown that increasing the amount of dairy products you eat, including cheese, yogurt, and ice cream, may reduce your risk of developing gout.

Uric acid is normally processed by our kidneys and excreted in our urine. Certain conditions can occur in which we either make too much uric acid or cannot get rid of it fast enough. When this condition occurs Urate crystals are deposited in and around the joint. The crystals act as an irritant and cause an inflammatory reaction resulting in pain, swelling, and redness.

About Gout

Along with the big toe, joints that are commonly affected are the lesser toe joints, the ankle, and the knee. If you suspect you have gout, make an appointment with your doctor to be tested and learn how to prevent or reduce future gout attacks. A joint fluid analysisto see if uric acid crystals are present.

What Are The Risk Factors For Gout?

The excess acid forms urate crystals, and these tiny, sharp formations accumulate in the joint where the big toe joins your foot. As the crystals poke and prod the tissue during movement, it becomes irritated and inflammation sets in. Pain from the slightest bump, weight, or movement can be excruciating—like being poked with hot needles. All of these drugs work quickly and are very effective. The sooner they are given after an attack starts, the faster the pain goes away.

Gout is usually characterized by a sudden onset of severe pain, redness and swelling of a joint. It's important for the most effective treatment of ankle swelling that you have an understanding of the cause of the condition. For immediate treatment, it is safe to perform the typical 'R.I.C.E.' treatment of the swelling. This means that in the early stages, one should rest, ice, compress and elevate the swollen joint. Once the specific cause of swelling is understood, you can proceed with more targeted interventions to help eliminate the swelling. A traumatic injury to the leg, including an ankle sprain or a broken ankle, can be a cause of ankle swelling.

We will examine your foot carefully and make imaging tests such as X-rays, CAT scans and MRIs if necessary. To treat Achilles tendonitis, we will first focus on relieving your pain. Immobilization with a soft cast can help with healing which may take a few weeks. We may prescribe oral medication to help with pain and swelling. Achilles tendonitis causes pain and swelling in the area.

Gout attacks can occur suddenly, causing severe and intolerable pain. More often than not, your doctor will perform a physical exam and take a sample of fluid from your joint in order to find uric acid crystals. In some circumstances, doctors will perform a blood test to see how how much uric acid is built up in your bloodstream. Gout is a form of arthritis, highlighted by sudden burning sensations, joint swelling, and stiffness. Gout is usually discovered because of its “attacks”—sudden burning and sharp pain that, when it recurs, can cause serious damage to joints, tendons, muscles, and other bodily tissues.

Symptoms And Diagnosis Of Gout

This will help your body get rid of excess uric acid and will keep the uric acid level from rising again. Occasional side effects include skin rash and stomach upset. Stomach problems usually go away as your body adjusts to the drug. In rare cases, this drug can cause a severe allergic reaction. If you have a skin rash along with hives, itching, fever, nausea or muscle pain, contact your doctor right away.

Signs Your Pain Is Likely Gout And Not Something Else

Once the cause of the ankle swelling is determined, effective treatment can be initiated. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Osteoarthritis or “wear and tear” arthritis can occur with younger individuals but most often affects those during and after middle age. When the cartilage that protects the joint bones wears away, the bones rub against each other causing pain and stiffness. Inflammation of the tendons in the foot may cause arch pain.