Gout is a form of arthritis that can cause excruciating pain and impact your mobility, work, and overall quality of life. Linda Coleman, MD, and the team at Coleman Primary Care in Sterling, Virginia, are experienced in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gout symptoms. For a consultation if you know or suspect you have gout, call Coleman Primary Care or schedule an appointment online today.
Gout is a form of arthritis that causes pain in your joints as a result of an accumulation of uric acid crystals. Uric acid is a naturally occurring byproduct of foods high in purines, which are proteins most commonly found in organ meats and alcohol.
When you have an excessive amount of uric acid in your blood, it collects in and around the tissues of your joints. Gout most often affects the joints of your legs and feet and can cause significant pain.
Gout is a chronic condition that usually has cycles of no symptoms for a time and then a sudden flare-up. For most people, limiting foods high in purines can prevent flare-ups of the disease.
Gout generally affects one joint at a time, usually the big toe. However, it can affect your other toes, knees, and ankles as well.
Signs of gout include:
Often, gout flare-ups are severe and come on suddenly. However, you may not have any pain for days, months, or even years once symptoms resolve.
Men who have diets high in purines are at highest risk of gout. The following factors can also put you at a higher risk of gout:
Some medications, including diuretics, may increase your risk of gout-related joint pain. If you take medicines that place you at higher risk of gout, your provider at Coleman Primary Care may prescribe medications that help prevent flare-ups or recommend dietary changes.
Your provider at Coleman Primary Care may recommend treatments for gout such as:
When you follow your primary care provider’s recommendations, you may decrease the frequency and severity of your gout flare-ups.
For prevention and treatment of your gout symptoms, call Coleman Primary Care or schedule an appointment online today.
