Gout is a disease provoked by a disorder of metabolic processes in the body. It is manifested by the accumulation of uric acid in the body, which, crystallizing, forms urate deposits in the joints of the feet, causing inflammation and their destruction. Most often the ankles and joints of the feet, mainly big toes, are affected. The pathological process is accompanied by acute attacks of pain, redness and swelling in the affected areas. Without timely and competent treatment, gout can lead to serious complications and significantly worsen the life of a person.
Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic, led by Dr. Alex Yanovskiy, DPM, offers modern methods of diagnosis and treatment of gout, which will help you regain the health of your feet.
Types of Gout
Gout can manifest itself in different forms, each of them has its own characteristics and stages of development.
- Acute gout is the most common form of the disease. It is manifested by sudden attacks of acute pain, redness and swelling in one or more joints. Gout of the big toe is most often diagnosed. The attacks can last from a few days to a week, after which the symptoms temporarily disappear. However, without treatment, they may recur and worsen.
- Gouty arthritis is a chronic form of the disease that develops in the absence of treatment. In the neglected form of the disease, a large concentration of uric acid crystals accumulates in the joints, which leads to constant inflammation, destruction of cartilage tissue and joint deformation. Chronic gout can affect not only the feet and ankles, but also other joints, causing constant pain and limitation of mobility.
Causes of Gout
The main cause of gout is excess uric acid in the blood, which leads to its crystallization in the joints. Uric acid is formed in the body by breaking down purines, which are substances found in certain foods and beverages. When the body fails to eliminate excess uric acid through the kidneys, it accumulates in the blood and deposits in the joints, causing pain and inflammation.
Many factors increase the risk of developing the disease.
- Consumption of foods high in purines – these include red meat, seafood, carbonated and fructose-rich drinks, alcohol and beer.
- Hereditary predisposition – a family history of gout disease.
- Overweight – increases the load on the joints and slows down the excretion of uric acid from the body, which contributes to its accumulation.
- Background diseases – hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, metabolic syndrome, can increase uric acid levels and the risk of developing gout.
The combination of these factors, can lead to the development and complications of gout of the feet, big toes, and ankle.
Symptoms and Signs
Gout usually presents with sudden and painful symptoms that make mobility difficult.
The main signs are:
- Acute pain – attacks of pain begin abruptly, most often at night or early in the morning. Pain in the joint of the big toe, foot or ankle is so severe that even touching the affected joint is reflected by sharp pain.
- Inflammation and swelling – the affected joint becomes red, hot to the touch and swollen. Inflammation may spread to surrounding tissues, causing limited movement.
- Increased skin temperature – the area around the inflamed joint becomes hotter than other parts of the body.
- Stiffness and loss of mobility – as the disease progresses, the joints become less mobile due to pain and inflammation. In severe cases, joint deformity occurs as the disease progresses to a chronic form.
If the initial symptoms of gout are ignored, recurrent attacks can lead to long-term joint damage and the development of chronic gouty arthritis.
Diagnostics: Understanding the Condition
Accurate diagnosis of gout is an important part of timely treatment and prevention of complications. Since its symptoms can mimic various forms of arthritis, it is necessary to conduct a thorough examination to confirm the diagnosis.
The main methods of diagnosis
- Blood tests – allow you to determine the level of uric acid in the body.
- Joint puncture – the study of synovial fluid taken from the affected joint to detect uric acid crystals, which provoke the development of inflammatory reactions. The presence of these crystals confirms the diagnosis.
- X-rays and ultrasound – used to assess the condition of the joints and exclude other possible causes of pain. Ultrasound helps to detect accumulations of uric acid crystals even in the initial stages of the disease, when symptoms have not yet manifested themselves.
The combination of these methods allows you to accurately diagnose gout and prescribe the right treatment that will help control the disease and prevent its complications.
Treatment Options for Gout
Treatment of gout is aimed at relieving acute symptoms, preventing recurrent attacks, and ensuring that the chronic course of the disease is controlled.
The main methods of treatment are:
Drug therapy
- Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – for rapid relief of pain and inflammation during acute attacks. Prescription of drugs that control gouty attacks and inflammation.
- Corticosteroids – if pain is severe and NSAIDs cannot be taken, corticosteroids (tablets or injections) may be prescribed to reduce inflammatory responses.
- Urate-lowering drugs – for long-term control of uric acid levels, which help prevent new attacks and the development of chronic gouty arthritis.
Changes in lifestyle and diet
- Eliminating foods high in purines – red meat, seafood, alcohol, beer - from your diet to lower uric acid levels.
- Increasing water intake – promotes the excretion of uric acid through the kidneys.
- Reducing body weight – reduces stress on joints and helps normalize uric acid concentrations.
- Physical activity – regular exercise maintains joint health and overall body condition, while it is important to avoid overloading the affected joints.
Successful treatment of gout lies in regular check-ups and adjustment of therapy. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can help control gout, preventing its progression.
The specialists at Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic are ready to offer you comprehensive treatment. Our leading podiatric surgeon, Dr. Alex Yanovskiy, DPM, can help you manage your gout and restore your health. Schedule a consultation and get a personalized treatment plan that will restore your comfort and freedom of movement!