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Gout—also called gouty arthritis—is caused by a buildup of uric acid salts, a normal byproduct of digestion, that form crystals in the joints. A single big toe joint is commonly the affected area, possibly because it's under so much pressure during walking. Attacks of gouty arthritis are extremely painful, because your body reacts to the crystal formation with chronic inflammation. At Neville Foot & Ankle Centers, our Montgomery County foot doctors usually address gout in two phases: acute treatment and focused prevention. Here's what else you should know.
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What Are the Risk Factors For Gout?
Research suggests that a diet featuring foods with a high purine content is a primary trigger for gout. This is because purine, when metabolized, forms uric acid. Red, organ, and game meats top the list, as do certain types of seafood, alcohol, sugary treats, and ultra-processed products. Here are some other risk factors:
- Genetics. A family history of gout increases your chances of developing it.
- Age and gender. Older men are more prone to the condition.
- Weight. If you're overweight, the chances of developing gout are higher.
- Health issues. Conditions such as hypothyroidism, high blood pressure, Kelley-Seegmiller syndrome, or Lesch-Nyhan syndrome often cause increased uric acid production.
- Certain medications. Diuretics, cyclosporine, niacin, and others also impact your body's development and processing of uric acid.
Are There Different Types of Gout?
Sort of, although the medical community tends to think in terms of stages of gout, rather than distinct conditions. For example:
- Asymptomatic hyperuricemia. There are elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, but no other noticeable foot symptoms at this stage.
- Acute. When uric acid builds up and forms crystals, you'll have sudden swelling, intense pain, and tenderness. Gout attacks often begin at night and typically last about 3—10 days.
- Interval. This phase lies between acute gout attacks, when you don't have symptoms.
- Chronic tophaceous gout. With prolonged accumulation of uric acid and no podiatry treatment, the joints suffer permanent damage. Gout arthritis at this stage is very painful, but it's rare for people to progress to this stage.
Call our office right away if you experience severe joint swelling or redness, a fever, are unable to bear weight, or have concerns about infection, as these symptoms can mimic gout.
How Can Our Greater Houston Podiatrists Help You Manage Gout?
After assessing the full nature of your condition, here’s a simple, three-part approach we often use to help control gout and lower the risk of future attacks.
- Calm the flare quickly. We may recommend icing and anti-inflammatories like NSAIDs or other medications to reduce pain and swelling.
- Prevent future attacks. Long-term urate-lowering medication may be the next step in your treatment protocol, plus short-term flare prevention and lab monitoring to keep uric acid controlled.
- Minimize triggers. Lifestyle management puts you in the driver's seat to reduce gout attacks. This includes hydrating, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol and high-purine/high-fructose foods, and reviewing medications that may raise uric acid.
Gout can be intensely painful, but with the right care it’s also highly manageable. Our podiatrists provide thorough evaluations so relief isn’t delayed and future attacks are less likely. With attentive follow-up, patient education, and proactive foot care, we help protect your joints, preserve mobility, and get you back to walking comfortably with confidence.
