Gout is a type of arthritis characterized by sudden and severe episodes of joint pain, often affecting the big toe, due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals. These painful attacks can significantly impact your daily life and mobility. Effective management of gout requires specialized care to control uric acid levels and alleviate symptoms. Dr. Zunaira Ali, serving the communities of Houston, Spring, Cypress, Tomball, and Katy in Texas, provides expert diagnosis and personalized treatment plans to help patients with gout manage their condition and improve their quality of life.
Gout is a form of arthritis caused by too much uric acid build-up in your body. Gout often causes sudden pain and swelling in one joint, often the big toe or other joints in the feet. Uric acid is a natural substance that’s in your blood. Gout affects men more often than women. Foods rich in purines, high alcohol intake, and drugs like immunosuppressants and diuretics can raise your risk of gout.
Signs/Symptoms of Gout
Gout’s main symptoms are sudden, intense pain and swelling in two joints. Severe attacks are typically followed by flare free periods. Urate crystals can form tophi that can eventually destroy the joint. Diagnosis is based on history and exam findings and laboratory tests. Blood tests can measure uric acid, although high levels don’t always mean you have gout. Some people with gout may have low uric acid levels at times, even during flares. Diagnosis may require getting a sample from the swollen joint and examining under the microscopy for crystals.
Treatments for Gout
Gout treatments include drugs to ease inflammation, lower uric acid in the blood, or help the kidneys remove excess uric acid. Colchicine (Colcrys) or Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Glucocorticoid (steroid) pills or shots into the joint can ease pain and swelling of an attack. Gout treatment aims for a uric acid level of 6 mg/dL or lower in the blood to dissolve or prevent crystals. Allopurinol and Febuxostat block uric acid production. Pegloticase infusions help break down uric acid.
Diet and lifestyle modification can help control gout and prevent attacks so it’s important to watch your diet and maintain a healthy weight. Avoid shellfish, gravies, red meat, soups, and organ meats such as liver. Limit alcohol, especially beer.
Avoid drinks high in sugar or fructose like concentrated juices or sodas. Purine-rich vegetables like spinach or mushrooms are safe to eat. Low-fat dairy foods may lower uric acid levels and help prevent gout.
Because gout is also associated with some serious health risks, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease and cardiovascular disease, it’s important to seek medical attention if you experience any sudden, intense joint pain. Dr. Zunaira Ali and the team at Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine are here to offer the comprehensive care and support you need. Our practice, serving Houston, Spring, Cypress, Tomball, and Katy in Texas, is committed to helping you manage your symptoms and achieve better joint health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.