Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body. When uric acid forms crystals in and around a joint, it can cause sudden and severe pain, swelling, warmth, and redness. With proper diagnosis and treatment, gout can be managed and recurrent attacks can often be prevented.
Gout develops when uric acid levels become too high and urate crystals form in the joints. Although many people have elevated uric acid without developing gout, the risk of gout increases as uric acid levels rise.
Patients with elevated uric acid levels either make too much uric acid (over-producers) or don’t eliminate enough uric acid in their urine (under-excretors).Those considered over-producers tend to be younger and also have an increased risk for forming kidney stones.
Several factors can increase the risk of gout, including kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, certain medications, alcohol consumption, and diets high in purines. Foods such as organ meats and some types of seafood may also contribute to higher uric acid levels.
In people who are predisposed to gout, uric acid crystals can cause severe joint inflammation, leading to sudden gout attacks. A gout attack often develops suddenly, frequently at night, and may cause intense joint pain, swelling, redness, warmth, and tenderness. Some patients may also develop a fever during an acute flare. The affected joint can become extremely sensitive, making even the pressure of a bedsheet painful.
The big toe is the most commonly affected joint, particularly at its base. Gout can also affect the feet, ankles, knees, wrists, fingers, and elbows.
Some people with untreated or poorly controlled gout develop tophi, which are firm deposits of urate crystals under the skin. Tophi commonly develop around the elbows, fingers, toes, and other joints and may occur after years of recurrent gout attacks. These deposits can cause swelling, discomfort, and joint damage. if gout remains uncontrolled.
A rheumatologist can diagnose gout by reviewing your symptoms, medical history, and examining the affected joint. Blood tests may be used to measure uric acid levels, while imaging or joint fluid testing may be recommended when needed to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other causes of joint pain.
Gout treatment depends on whether you are experiencing an acute attack or need long-term prevention. Treatment may include medications to reduce pain and inflammation during a flare and urate-lowering therapy to reduce uric acid levels and prevent future attacks. Your rheumatologist can recommend a treatment plan based on your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors.
Managing your diet may help reduce the risk of gout attacks. Limiting alcohol, sugary drinks, organ meats, and foods high in purines may be helpful. Staying well hydrated and maintaining a healthy weight can also support overall gout management.
Long-term gout management focuses on keeping uric acid at a healthy level and preventing future attacks. Taking prescribed medication consistently, maintaining a healthy weight, staying hydrated, limiting alcohol, and following your rheumatologist’s recommendations can help reduce the risk of recurrent flares.
If you are looking for gout treatment in Scottsdale, AZ, Scottsdale Rheumatology Center provides personalized evaluation and treatment for gout and other inflammatory arthritis conditions. Our rheumatology team can help identify the cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan focused on controlling gout attacks and preventing future joint damage.
If you are searching for a gout doctor or gout specialist near Scottsdale and Phoenix, AZ, contact Scottsdale Rheumatology Center to schedule an appointment.
Gout is one of several conditions treated by rheumatologists. Learn more about other rheumatology conditions:
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by urate crystal buildup in a joint.
What are the first signs of gout?Sudden severe joint pain, swelling, redness, warmth, and tenderness are common symptoms.
Can gout be treated?Yes. Proper treatment can control gout attacks and help prevent future flares.
What doctor treats gout?A rheumatologist specializes in gout and other forms of inflammatory arthritis.
