Anyone who has experienced a gout attack knows it can be painful. Gout can make walking or even wearing shoes uncomfortable. This is why the board-certified and fellowship-trained specialists at Preston Surgery Center offer advanced solutions for this form of arthritis.

So, what is gout pain, and what are some of the common signs of gout in the foot? If you have concerns about this or other joint conditions, reach out to our clinic in Frisco, TX. Our highly respected podiatry team can diagnose and manage your symptoms successfully.

What is gout pain?

Gout is a complicated disease that affects the joints. It is caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, which leads to a buildup of urate crystals in the joints. Sometimes, our bodies overproduce uric acid, or the kidneys do not excrete enough. While several areas can be affected, the most common one is the joint at the base of the big toe. When left untreated, gout in the foot can lead to painful episodes that impact your day to day life.

So, what is gout pain caused by?

• Excessive alcohol intake

• Untreated high blood pressure, diabetes, and other medical conditions

• Certain medications

• Genetics

Symptoms of gout

Gout symptoms are characterized by severe attacks of pain, swelling, and tenderness in the joints. A gout attack can come on suddenly, sometimes waking you up in the middle of the night. You may not have another attack for several weeks or months. It is important to get your pain checked out by a professional, especially because gout symptoms are similar to other serious conditions.

When to seek help

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of gout is the first step toward preventing future attacks. Sometimes, pain can become triggered by outside events like medication and stress. Anyone who experiences excruciating pain in their joints should call Preston Surgery Center in Frisco, TX. Although an acute attack can go away without treatment, gout in your foot can lead to long-term problems down the road. Patients may even suffer from joint damage.

Treatment for gout in foot

Preston Surgery Center will begin your appointment by confirming a gout diagnosis. We accomplish this by performing a physical assessment and asking about your history of joint pain. It is important to give us a comprehensive family history and your list of current medications. Our professionals will also take a blood test to measure the levels of uric acid in your body.

While advanced gout can cause nodules under your skin on your feet, mild cases may not show physical symptoms. Mild gout can be managed with medication and diet changes. We can also prescribe injections to prevent gout attacks from happening in the future. At our clinic, our goal is to provide patients with all aspects of treatment for gout in your foot so you can start to feel comfortable again.

Find pain relief from gout

At Preston Surgery Center, our treatment for gout in your foot focuses on relieving acute pain and preventing attacks in the future. We also hope to reduce the risk of permanent joint damage in the future. If you have any questions or concerns about gout and arthritis pain, contact our facility in Frisco, TX. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeons are available to address your needs.