Gouty Arthritis

Gout is a type of arthritis that is characterized by pain, stiffness, tenderness, and inflammation in the joints of the feet, and usually affects the big toe first.

Gouty Arthritis

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Overview

Gout and arthritis. Two words no one wants to hear, let alone together. At University Foot & Ankle Institute, our board-certified podiatrists can help diagnose and create a plan to alleviate your pain.

Have you experienced any of the following:

Waking up often in the middle of the night with the sensation that your big toe is on fire.
Your big toe feels hot, swollen, and tender.
You have sudden, severe attacks of pain and swelling in the joints and the big toe.

If any of the above are hitting close to home, you may be suffering from gouty arthritis

What Is Gouty Arthritis?

Gout is a type of arthritis that is characterized by pain, stiffness, tenderness, and inflammation in the joints of the feet. It usually affects the big toe first. It can be extremely painful and can affect your quality of life. Like other kinds of arthritis, gout cannot be cured but it can be managed.

Symptoms of Gouty Arthritis

There are several symptoms of gouty arthritis:

Intense joint pain, especially in the big toe
Discomfort with any kind of movement involving the affected joint
Swelling and tenderness around the joint
Redness and warmth of joint
Stiffness and limited motion (With time, it may become impossible to move those joints)

How Gout Works

Gout is triggered by an increase in uric acid levels in the body (a condition known as hyperuricemia). Your body makes uric acid during the digestive process for specific foods like red meat or sardines. When high levels of uric acid build up in your system, this is when you feel the pain that comes from gout as the build-up forms sharp crystals in your joints or surrounding tissues.

Causes of Gouty Arthritis

Alcohol, an unhealthy lifestyle, and diet can all contribute to an increase in your body’s uric acid levels.

Lifestyle

You are at a higher risk for gout if any of the following apply to you:

Heart and kidney disease
Obesity
Diabetes
Medications like diuretics and low-dose aspirin
Male between 30-50 years old
Family history of gout
Trauma or surgery

Diet & Alcohol

Diet plays a large role in gout attacks. Foods that can cause high levels of uric acid include:

Seafood, like shellfish, sardines, tuna
Red meat, including pork, lamb, and beef
Beer and distilled liquors
Sugary foods and sweetened beverages
Organ and glandular meats (such as liver and kidney)

History of Gout

This might be the closest you get to royalty, as gout is often called the “King’s Disease.” In earlier times, gout was a problem specific to the wealthy population as their diet was rich in meats, fats, and alcohol – items the poor couldn’t afford. Gout’s most famous sufferers have included Alexander the Great, Charlemagne, and King Henry VIII.

Diagnosing Gout

Some tests our board-certified podiatrists will use to diagnose gout include:

Joint fluid test
Blood test
X-ray
Scan
MRI
Ultrasound
Dual-energy computerized tomography (DECT)

Treatment Options for Gout

Treatment for gout is usually two-pronged – medication and lifestyle changes.

Medicine:

Medications are given for the pain and inflammation, as well as to lower the amount of uric acid in your blood. The dosage will depend on the severity of the illness and your health

Lifestyle:

As with any arthritis, medication will only help keep your pain and inflammation in check. To reduce recurrent attacks, a lifestyle change has to be made. This includes:

Limiting or stopping alcohol
Drinking plenty of water
Avoiding red meat and organ meats
Limiting items high in fructose
Eating a healthy diet full of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
Reducing intake of saturated fats including high-fat dairy products
Exercising regularly

Managing Gout Pain with Orthotics

Foot orthotics can also be very helpful during gout attacks. The soft supportive orthotics help cushion the foot and place less strain on the joints of the foot. Our board-certified podiatrists can discuss this as an option with you at your appointment.

When You Should Come See Us

If you suspect you are suffering from a gout attack, make an appointment right away to come see us. The pain likely won’t go away until you are given the proper medication. More importantly, without treatment, gout can cause joint erosion and deterioration. This leads to further complications and the need for medical interventions down the road.

In time, with a change in lifestyle, foot orthotics, and support from your board-certified podiatrist, gout can be managed.

Call us to make an appointment to start tackling your gout now!

FAQs - Gouty Arthritis

What is the main cause of gouty arthritis?

Having too much uric acid in the body can cause gouty arthritis. Uric acid is made when your body breaks down purines, which are found in your body and in food.

What is the fastest way to get rid of gout?

First and foremost, call a board-certified podiatrist! They can prescribe medicine to flush the gout. You can also drink a lot of water and elevate the foot and apply ice to the affected joint. Also avoid drinking alcohol or high-sugar drinks during a gout attack.

What foods should be avoided with gout?

A person suffering from gout should avoid alcohol – especially beer, red meat, lamb, pork, organ meats, seafood, sugary drinks, and sweets.

Written by Dr. Gary B. Briskin, DPM, FACFAS

ABFAS^® Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery and Co-Director of University Foot and Ankle Institute

Board-Certified Podiatric Foot and Ankle Specialist, Dr. Gary Briskin, DPM, FACFAS, began his medical training by serving a residency at Flint General Hospital in Michigan. Once completed, he established a practice in Century City Hospital, where he soon became chief of podiatric surgery.

Dr. Briskin is a Diplomat of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He also serves as an assistant clinical professor at the UCLA School of Medicine and is co-founder and co-director of University Foot and Ankle Institute.

The UFAI Education Team

The UFAI Education Team is comprised of leading foot and ankle specialists at University Foot & Ankle Institute, dedicated to advancing patient care through education, research, and innovation. With decades of combined experience, our board-certified podiatrists provide expert insights into the latest treatments and surgical advancements. Committed to empowering patients with reliable information, our team ensures that every article reflects the highest standards of medical excellence.