Let’s face it, you love eating fish and meat after a long day at work. Sometimes you even pour yourself a nice alcoholic beverage to go with your meal. After all, after a long day at work you deserve it. This is your usual routine. Everything is going smoothly until, one night your foot feels like it is burning. It’s also swelling, and stiff. The pain is unimaginable. What happened? Well, at the office of Family Foot & Ankle Care, PC we know that it could be gout.

Did you know that gout is actually considered to be a type of arthritis? Over time the exposure to gout can permanently damage the tissue and tendons of the foot. Unfortunately, gout can occur more than once and does not always stay away permanently.

Symptoms

• Burning
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Tenderness
• Sharp Pain
• Redness

These symptoms are more likely to occur during the night. They often target the toes and cause a large degree of pain and discomfort. The ankle, foot, and knees can also get gout but fewer cases are seen of these instances.

Causes

Gout is caused by too much uric acid in the blood. Uric acid build-up can cause the formation of hard crystals in the joint of the toes. If you drink too much alcohol, eat too much meat and fish that are high in protein, or are overweight, you are more likely to get gout. Diuretics, like caffeine, can also lead to gout.

How is it Diagnosed?

Contact a podiatrist right away if you suspect that you have gout. An examination will occur and it may lead to a course of treatment. A podiatrist such as Dr. Alan J. Discont or Dr. Krahn will remove some fluid from the joint and have it tested to see if there are any uric acid crystals in it. Blood tests can also help to help diagnose gout.

If you suspect you have gout and your toes and feet are killing you, call 480-732-0033 and make an appointment or sign up for one online. Our offices are conveniently located in Chandler, Arizona to better serve you. Do not wait, get your gait and foot health in line today!