Share:

If you’ve been experiencing pain or tenderness in your foot joints, you might have gout. Although this condition affects 8.3 million individuals in the United States, many people are unfamiliar with its symptoms, causes, or treatments. To better understand your condition and the solutions your podiatrist might recommend, consult the guide below. 

What Are the Symptoms of Gout?

The most prominent symptom of gout is painful toes. Along with tenderness or soreness, you might also notice a decreased range of motion, inflammation around the affected area, and discoloration of the skin around the joints. Most patients experience the most discomfort at night when they lie down to go to bed, although the sensation may continue throughout the day.

What Causes It?

podiatristGout occurs when uric acid begins to build up in the blood, leading to urate crystals forming in the foot joints. This type of buildup primarily occurs due to the body’s inability to process acidic elements found in substances like meat and seafood. When the crystals accumulate in the joints, the space becomes crowded, leading to pain and inflammation.

How Is It Treated?

For most podiatrists, the first step in the treatment plan will include evaluating your overall health and digestive system to determine what type of dietary or lifestyle changes can be made to minimize your symptoms. After they’ve addressed the changes needed, they’ll likely prescribe either anti-inflammatory medications or provide corticosteroid shots to decrease swelling and discomfort.

 

If you think you have gout, talk to the podiatrists at Westside Podiatry Group. With three offices throughout the Rochester, NY, area and over 50 years of experience under their belts, these professionals have the skills, expertise, and care needed to help you maintain optimum podiatric health. Give them a call today at (585) 225-2290 to schedule a consultation, and visit their website for more information on their services.

tracking