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Woman with gout pain in ankle

Got Gout? Don’t Pout.

Gout is a common type of arthritis, affecting 9.2 million Americans, and is associated with pain and stiffness in the joints. If you have recently been diagnosed with gout, do not let your treatment get off on the wrong foot.

 

Gout causes pain and inflammation to one or more joints, the most affected joint being the metatarsophalangeal joint or the base of the big toe. Other joints that may be affected include the knee, ankle, foot, hand, wrist, and elbow.

The human body sometimes overproduces uric acid and at other times the kidneys underperform and are just unable to keep up to excrete sufficient amounts of uric acid to avoid an attack. In gout attacks, uric acid crystals form in one or more of the joints noted above which can be very painful. During attacks, symptoms may include significant pain, redness, stiffness, and warmth in the joint.

Several treatment options are available including medications that help prevent gout attacks and medications that help to treat acute attacks. Please consult your rheumatologist or pain specialist for the best treatment options for your case.

With respect to the prevention of gout symptoms, there are several guidelines. First and foremost, would be to stay well-hydrated which helps kidney function. Exercise regularly. As weight increases, so does your risk for gout. Limit your consumption of purines as these chemicals can trigger uric acid buildup. These would include alcohol (beer especially), red meats, and protein from animal sources.

If you develop sudden and intense pain in one or more of your joints, you may have gout, but don’t pout. Put your foot down and call your rheumatologist or pain specialist. At Advanced Spine and Pain, we will not stand for that kind of pain to go unanswered.

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Advanced Spine and Pain is a leading pain management group based in Phoenix, AZ, and quickly expanding throughout the state. Offering minimally-invasive pain care services, the ASAP group consists of Arizona's top pain management specialists, including Drs. Abram Burgher, Todd Turley, and Jarrett Leathem.

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