Gout is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis, affecting nearly 4% of American adults. At Michigan Foot & Ankle Institute, in Clinton Township, Michigan, our team of highly skilled podiatrists understands how painful and limiting gout can be.
Our mission is to get our patients on their feet, back to doing the things they love, walking without pain, and enjoying the high quality of life they deserve.
This month, our blog focuses on hope for gout sufferers. Read on to learn five of the top treatment approaches below.
To understand the treatments for gout, it's helpful to first know more about how and why it happens.
Gout is one of the most painful forms of arthritis. Flare-ups occur when excess uric acid in the blood triggers the growth of sharp crystals that settle in the joints. These crystals irritate the joint lining, triggering sudden inflammation, swelling, redness, and severe foot pain.
Flare-ups often occur suddenly and are more than twice as likely to happen at night compared to during the daytime.
Flare-ups may last days and often recur if uric acid levels remain high. The big toe is the most common site for gout flare-ups, but it can also affect other joints like the ankles, knees, wrists, or elbows.
When diagnosed with gout, the first question many patients ask is "Why are my uric acid levels so high?" The answer can vary with each patient.
Uric acid levels rise when the body produces excessive uric acid or when the kidneys (the body's filtration system) can't eliminate uric acid efficiently. Many factors can contribute, including genetics, carrying extra weight, and dietary choices.
Regardless of why your gout attacks happen, our doctors at Michigan Foot & Ankle Institute can help you find relief.
Our expert board-certified podiatrists often treat gout using a multifaceted approach. Your treatment may include:
Anti-inflammatory medications are often the first step in managing gout attacks. These medications reduce pain and swelling, helping you move more comfortably during flare-ups.
Diet is crucial in gout management. Purines are natural substances found in many foods, including red meat, organ meats, shellfish, and alcoholic beverages. When your body breaks down purines, it creates uric acid.
Essentially, this means that too many purines equals too much uric acid, triggering gout attacks. By limiting high-purine foods and replacing them with low-purine options like fruits, veggies, and whole grains, you can lower your risk of flare-ups and better protect your joints.
During a gout flare-up, moving the affected joint can make pain worse and increase irritation. Joint immobilization gives the joint time to rest and heal. Our podiatrists may recommend custom orthotics, braces, or special footwear to limit movement while ensuring your comfort.
For severe or stubborn gout symptoms, cortisone injections can provide rapid relief. These injections target the source of inflammation directly, and can ease symptoms for as long as weeks or months.
In some cases, diet and lifestyle changes may not be enough to manage gout. If your uric acid levels remain high, your podiatrist may prescribe a medication to lower them.
At Michigan Foot & Ankle Institute, we combine advanced treatment strategies with personalized care to help you find long-term relief from gout. Call 586-999-9953 today to schedule your appointment and avoid future flare-ups.
