By Loren Colon DPM, FACFAS

You may be suffering from gout.

Gout is a form of arthritis in the joints that is due to high uric acid levels in the bloodstream. An increase in uric acid forms crystals that can settle in the joints causing an inflammation process. Gout presents as a sudden onset of a pain, hot, red, swollen joint, particularly in the foot at the big toe. Gouty arthritis is reportedly the most common cause of inflammatory arthritis in men over the age of 40.

There are several causes of gout. Foods that have a purine diet such as seafood, beans, sweetbreads, anchovy’s, red meat, shellfish, red wine, alcohol and sardines should be avoided because they can potentially induce a gouty attack. It may also be precipitated by medicines such as hydrochlorothiazide which is used to treat high blood pressure. Trauma is also a common cause of gout attacks.

Some treatment modalities include warm compresses, injection therapy and oral medication. Making adequate changes to your diet and taking supplements may also help resolve the symptoms.

If you are having pain in your foot that describes the symptoms of gout, we can get you back on your feet pain free and educate you on how to decrease uric acid levels to prevent gouty attacks. Please make an appointment with your Atlanta podiatrist at American Foot and Leg Specialists.