Everything You Need to Know About Gout

A condition often seen in our office this time of year is gout. Gout is a condition that affects the lower extremities, and symptoms of gout are often increased with colder temperatures. Our specialists discuss everything you need to know about this condition, including what it is, its risks, treatments, and so much more!

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis that affects the lower extremities. Gout usually develops in adulthood and rarely seen in children. Gout usually develops earlier in adult men (between the ages of 30-45) than in adult women (after age 55). Gout can be triggered by certain festive holiday foods that we tend to consume more during this time of the year. These foods can cause uric acid to excessively build in the body and trigger the symptoms of gout.

The Phases of Gout

The three phases of gout are:

1. Gout Flare– This is the initial gout flare that most likely involves a single joint.
2. Intercritical Gout– This is the time between gout flares. When gout is treated, flares will rarely occur more than once within two-year intervals.
3. Tophaceous Gout– This is a condition that develops after suffering from multiple gout flares. This is a condition that describes the accumulation of urate crystal masses within the body.

What Are the Risks of Developing Gout?

As previously mentioned, certain lifestyle factors will increase your risk of developing gout. The most common lifestyle factors are:

1. Certain medications (such as diuretics)
2. Dehydration
3. Consuming large amounts of meat
4. Consuming large number of beverages that contain high fructose corn syrup
5. Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol
6. Being overweight
7. Family history
8. Certain medical conditions
9. Recent injury or surgery in the lower extremities
10. Age and sex

Symptoms of Gout

The most common symptoms of developing gout are:

• Sudden attack of pain in the lower extremities
• Discomfort that does not subside
• Intense joint pain
• Stiffness in the lower extremities
• Signs of limping
• Joints feel hot-to-the-touch
• Inflammation in the lower extremities
• Limited range of motion in the affected area

When To See a Podiatrist

If you are experiencing chronic foot pain or discomfort in your lower extremities, call our Montgomery office at 301-330-5666 and schedule an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Jon M. Sherman or visit our website for more information. Please note that our office hours are currently Monday, 10am-5:30pm, and Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am-5pm. For new or current patients who do not want to come into the office, we are also offering Telehealth video visits. To schedule a Telehealth visit, please call our office.