Gout an excruciating form of inflammatory joint pain

By Emily White|2025-02-25T07:24:49+00:00January 24th, 2024|

Gout, a form of inflammatory arthritis, can manifest in various parts of the body, with one of the most common locations being the feet. This painful condition is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and intense bouts of pain.

What is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis characterised by the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints. Uric acid is a natural by-product of the breakdown of purines, substances found in many foods and tissues in the body. When the body produces too much uric acid or fails to eliminate it efficiently, crystals can accumulate in the joints, leading to inflammation and pain. The joints in the feet, particularly the big toe, are common sites for gout attacks.

Who Does Gout Affect?

Gout can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. However, certain factors increase the risk of developing gout including:

Being a male
Increased age
Family history of gout
Consuming a diet rich in purine-containing foods
Obesity
Hypertension
Kidney disease

Signs and Symptoms of Gout

Gout attacks often occur without warning and can last for a few days to a couple of weeks, followed by periods of remission. Gout typically presents as:

Sudden and severe pain.
A throbbing or crushing sensation.
A red and swollen joint that is tender to touch.
Pain that is so intense that even the slightest pressure, such as the touch of a bedsheet, can be excruciating.

Treatment Options for Gout

Managing gout involves both relieving acute symptoms and preventing future attacks. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids are commonly prescribed to alleviate pain and inflammation during gout flare-ups. In some cases, medications that lower uric acid levels, such as allopurinol, may be recommended for long-term management.

Prevention

Preventing gout involves:

Lifestyle modifications and dietary changes.
Maintaining a healthy weight.
Staying hydrated.
Limiting the consumption of purine-rich foods like red meat, organ meats, and certain seafood.
Reducing the consumption of alcohol and in particular beer.

How our Melbourne podiatrists can help

Our Melbourne Podiatrists are skilled at recognising gout. They will first conduct a thorough clinical evaluation. They will also consider a combination of your symptoms, medical history and diet. During an acute attack, the presence of characteristic symptoms, such as rapid onset of severe pain and joint inflammation, may be sufficient for a preliminary diagnosis. However, to confirm gout and rule out other conditions, the podiatrists at our Melbourne clinic may refer you for an x-ray or ultrasound to visualise the affected joints and even to your general practitioner to conduct blood tests to measure uric acid levels. Our Melbourne podiatrists will be able to advise you on the recommended course of treatment for your individual presentation.

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of gout is crucial to prevent irreversible joint damage that could lead to chronic pain and debilitation. But with proper understanding, early diagnosis, and appropriate management, individuals can lead a fulfilling and pain-free life.

So if you suspect you may have gout, are experiencing gout symptoms or you are concerned that you are at risk of a gout attack, come and see us at Melbourne Podiatrists and Orthotics for thorough assessment and quality treatment.