Gout in the Foot and Ankle: Effective Treatments at Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, and tenderness in the joints, often affecting the foot and ankle, particularly the big toe.

Understanding Gout and Its Impact on Your Joints

Gout occurs due to an excess of uric acid in the blood, which can form sharp, needle-like urate crystals in a joint or surrounding tissue, causing intense pain and inflammation. This condition can either result from the body's overproduction of uric acid or its under-excretion of uric acid by kidneys. Long-term effects of untreated gout include the potential destruction of the big toe joint, which can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues.

Treatments for Gout at Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons

At our facility, we offer a variety of treatments tailored to relieve the symptoms of gout and prevent future flare-ups:

Medications

Allopurinol: This medication is commonly prescribed to reduce uric acid production. It helps manage gout effectively by preventing the formation of uric acid crystals. This medication is not typically prescribed during a gout flareup. Rather, lab test are often ordered to determine the level of Uric Acid in the blood and based on that level, the medication is prescribed to maintain a health level of Uric Acid in the body.
Colchicine: Used to treat acute gout attacks, colchicine works by reducing inflammation and swelling. It is particularly useful during the early stages of an attack to alleviate discomfort.
Anti-inflammatory Medications: Both NSAIDs and Oral Steroids are effective against inflammation of the affected area, which are routinely prescribed during flareups.

Cortisone Injections

For severe or resistant gout attacks, cortisone injections are an excellent option. These injections deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly into the affected joint, providing rapid relief from pain and swelling.

Lifestyle and Diet Management for Gout

Managing your diet is a crucial component of controlling gout. We recommend a diet low in purines, which are found in high levels in red meat, certain seafoods, and alcoholic beverages. Increasing your intake of water and other fluids can also help your body excrete uric acid more effectively.

At Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons, we not only focus on treating the symptoms but also on educating our patients about lifestyle adjustments that can help manage their condition long-term.

Why Choose Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons?

Under the leadership of Dr. Kaveh Panahi, our team at Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons is committed to providing the highest quality care. We understand the debilitating nature of gout and are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to manage both acute attacks and long-term implications of the disease.

Our comprehensive approach ensures that each patient receives a treatment plan customized to their specific needs, helping them return to pain-free movement as quickly and safely as possible.

If you're struggling with symptoms of gout, or if you're looking for expert advice on managing this condition, don't hesitate to contact us at Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons at 623.439.2200 or schedule your appointment using our easy online portal. We're here to help you take the first step towards better joint health and a more active lifestyle.