Gout

Most cases of gout can be treated with medications, prescribed by a podiatrist near Wyandotte and Southfield. Medication is used to treat attacks, reduce risk of complications (onset of tophi or kidney stones), and to prevent future flares. They also combat the inflammation and treat pain in the affected area. Some medications work by either reducing the amount of uric acid produced or improving the kidney's ability to flush uric acid from the body.

Gout is a somewhat tricky condition to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to those of other disorders. Most patients with gout have hyperuricemia, but not all people with hyperuricemia develop gout.

One diagnostic test the podiatrist near Wyandotte and Southfield may order is the joint fluid test. In the joint fluid test, a needle is used to extract fluid from the affect joint. The fluid is then analyzed for the presence of urate crystals. As symptoms of joint infection are similar to those of gout, the podiatrist near Wyandotte and Southfield will also examine the fluid for the presence of bacteria.

The foot and ankle doctor in Wyandotte and Southfield may also do a blood test to measure the concentration of uric acid in the blood. Just as people with hyperuricemia do not always experience gout, some people may develop gout symptoms even with a normal level of uric acid in the blood.

Lastly the podiatrist may examine the joints for urate crystals. This is done with CT scans or ultrasound.

There are several different types of gout, and all can be treated by the podiatrist. These include:

• Asymptomatic hyperuricemia
• Acute gout
• Inter-critical or interval gout
• Chronic tophaceous gout
• Pseudo gout

The main cause of gout is the excessive production of uric acid (hyperuricemia). Uric acid is produced during purine metabolism. Purines are chemical compounds found in seafood, poultry, and meat.

Under normal conditions, uric acid dissolves in the blood, and is excreted by the kidneys as urine. However, if too much of it is produced, or the rate at which it is produced is higher than the rate at which it is excreted, it will accumulate and yield crystals. These crystals cause pain and inflammation in the joints.

Symptoms of gout usually appear without warning, and in most cases, in the middle of the night. Major symptoms of gout are intense pain in the joint. Other indications are redness, inflammation, and discomfort. The joint of the big toe is the most affected during a gout flare. However, gout may also affect the fingers, elbows, wrists, and ankles.

You can prevent gout or even stop further recurrence by following these dietary and lifestyle guidelines.

• Drink adequate amount of water, at least 2 to 4 liters daily.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Maintain a healthy weight and get adequate exercise.