What Causes Gout?
Gout is caused when there is a build-up of uric acid crystals in the joints. Uric acid is a waste product routinely disposed of by the body through urine.
In some patients, however, the body starts producing uric acid faster than the rate at which it is disposed. When this happens, uric acid crystals are deposited in the joints.
Heredity and Other Factors Causing Gout
Gout can run in the family although the exact genetic link is not known. A person suffering from kidney disease can develop gout. In some patients, common medications such as aspirin can interfere with the normal process of disposing uric acid from the body, leading to a build-up.
On top of this, there are certain other medical and non-medical factors which can lead to gout. These include:
- Diabetes and obesity.
- Sickle cell anemia.
- Excessive consumption of alcohol (one of the organs which is affected by excessive alcohol consumption is the kidneys which produce urine – uric acid is disposed from the body through urine).
- Consuming foods that are rich in purine (a substance naturally produced by the body which when broken down convert to uric acid).
How Is Gout Treated?
Although gout is a very painful condition, the good news is that it is easily treated. The treatment process for gout involves reducing the uric acid levels in the body, reducing pain and inflammation and the other associated symptoms of gout, and preventing further attacks.
- Your doctor will prescribe a medication that is used to decrease inflammation (typically a prescription grade medication like colchicine or indomethacin). These must be monitored and usually doctors will order laboratory tests.
- Additionally, increasing clear fluid intake and urine output is an important part of clearing out an acute attack of gout.
- If the inflammation is severe, the doctor might recommend corticosteroid injections for the affected joint.
- The patient will also be advised to stay off their feet and use cold compresses to help reduce swelling.
- In severe cases, surgery might be recommended to remove the deposit of uric acid crystals from the affected joint.
Acute Gout vs. Chronic Gout
Acute gout is different than usually chronic gout. Acute gout attacks are handled using the treatments listed above. However, for those who have a more chronic issues with gout, long term management may be necessary. Chronic sufferers will often need medication that can help prevent the frequent attacks.
Dietary Changes Can Help Control Gout Attacks
In addition to medication, making certain dietary changes, which include either completely avoiding or at the very least limiting the consumption of specific foods, can also help in controlling gout flare-ups. Dietary restrictions for preventing gout include:
- Avoiding or limiting consumption of alcoholic beverages and foods that are protein-rich or high in purines like beans, peas, organ meats, and red meats. These aid in uric acid build-up.
- Patients suffering from gout are advised to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to help flush out uric acid from the body.
Not Smart to Ignore
If you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms of gout, consult with a foot and ankle specialist to seek an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment as soon as possible. As mentioned above, if gout is left untreated, it can lead to repeated flare-ups.
Ignoring gout can also result in a long-term, painful arthritis called gouty arthritis. Gouty arthritis destroys the normal joint surfaces and erodes the cartilage and bone within the joint and cannot be cured. Additionally, gout can be deposited in the soft tissues especially near tendons. This can lead to tendon damage.
Are You Suffering From Gout In The Caldwell Or Meridian, Idaho Area?
If you're suffering from gout you owe it to yourself to speak with our experienced podiatrists as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us online or call our office directly at 208.855.5955 to schedule your appointment. We service all areas surrounding Meridian, Idaho as well as all areas in the Caldwell, Idaho area. We look forward to helping you!
