Gout attacks usually occur at night and are so painful that even the slightest movement or lightest touch to the affected joint can cause incredible pain. Without treatment, these painful episodes can last for days to weeks and may result in permanent joint damage.
Fortunately, gout is easy to treat, and it’s possible to prevent future attacks. Joseph DiMenna, DPM, and Jacques Tran, DPM, at Family Foot and Ankle Center of South Jersey in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, specialize in treating gout. We start with relieving your pain and then explore strategies for preventing future episodes.
Check these insights from our team regarding gout, what causes it, and how to prevent it.
The joint pain, inflammation, and heat you experience during a gout attack is caused by urate crystals accumulating in the affected joint, usually your big toe. These crystals are linked to a buildup of uric acid, a by-product of chemical compounds (purines) found in certain foods and beverages.
Your kidneys usually filter uric acid from your bloodstream and remove it from your body via urine. However, when your kidneys can’t keep up with the excess uric acid, sharp, needle-like urate crystals can accumulate in your joints and bring on a gout attack.
Elevated uric acid levels are linked to diets high in purines. High-purine foods and beverages include:
Limiting your consumption of these foods and beverages reduces the amount of uric acid your kidneys must filter.
Other factors that increase gout risk include:
Left untreated, repeated gout attacks can cause joint deterioration and more frequent, longer-lasting episodes.
Our team takes a three-step approach to gout: manage the attack, prevent future events, and avoid complications.
Your treatment strategy may include over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen or prescription-strength medications such as indomethacin. These medicines can relieve your symptoms quickly, sometimes within hours.
Preventing future attacks usually requires dietary changes that limit your purine intake. Losing weight helps your kidneys process uric acid more efficiently. Reducing alcohol intake and increasing daily water consumption can make a difference.
You may also benefit from medication like allopurinol to lower uric acid levels in your blood. This helps you avoid longer-term complications like chronic gout and kidney stones.
For more information about gout and how to get rid of it, call Family Foot and Ankle Center of South Jersey at 856-667-8222 to schedule an appointment, or click here to book a consultation online.
