Gout Doctors
If you’ve ever experienced sudden, intense foot pain, you could have had an instance of gout. A gout attack usually occurs as a result of excess uric acid in the blood. While gout can happen spontaneously and go away on its own, the attacks can continue and may cause joint damage if left untreated.
If you suffer from gout and need a doctor for treatment, Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates has you covered. Our gout doctors in Tumwater, Olympia, Centralia, Lacey and Tacoma, Washington, are ready to deliver quality care that treats your gout to reduce pain and prevent future attacks.
What Is Gout?
Gout is the buildup of uric acid in the blood. While uric acid in the blood is normal, too much can cause hard crystals to form and cluster in your joints. Gout often affects the joints in your feet, especially around your big toe. A gout attack can happen suddenly and typically occurs at night, causing you to wake with hot, intense pain in your foot’s affected joint.
Uric acid forms as a byproduct when your body breaks down purines, natural chemical components of DNA and RNA. When too many purines are present, the amount of uric acid in the blood reaches an abnormally high level and creates the ideal conditions for gout.
Common causes of gout:
- Dehydration
- Metabolism disorders
- Blood disorders
- Ingesting foods high in gout-producing purines
Additionally, having an inherited disorder or a thyroid or kidney problem can make it more difficult for your body to eliminate excess uric acid. Since your diet contributes to the likelihood of you developing gout, you may need to eliminate some foods or drinks to minimize the chance of recurrence.
How to Know if You Have Gout
Understanding gout’s symptoms can help determine if the foot pain you’re suffering is a result of this condition.
Common symptoms of gout:
- Redness and inflammation: When you have gout, your affected joints will become red, warm, tender and swollen.
- Severe joint pain: Gout can cause sharp, throbbing pain in your joints.
- Constant discomfort: After your initial pain, you may experience a lingering ache that lasts for a while after the attack.
- Decreased range of motion: You could lose movement in your joints if your gout progresses and is left untreated.
Gout symptoms can last from a few hours to a few weeks.
Do You Have to See a Doctor for Gout?
While gout attacks may not happen often, it’s crucial to seek medical treatment after even one time to minimize the chance of future pain or joint damage. Seeing a gout doctor can help you find remedies and solutions for alleviating the pain and swelling and preventing additional episodes.
Find Gout Doctors You Can Count On
At Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates of Washington, our gout doctors can help you find a treatment that relieves pain and lessens the likelihood of future attacks. We ensure every patient receives dedicated, individualized care to increase their quality of life.
We are here for you whenever you’re ready to take control of your gout. Call us at 360-754-3338 to schedule an appointment with one of our gout doctors today! Get in touch with a Gout doctor in Centralia, Lacey, Olympia, Tacoma, and Tumwater.
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An affiliate of FASA Family Wellness PLLC
An affiliate of FASA Family Wellness PLLC