An inflammatory condition that effects joints in the body. Gout is due to elevated uric acid in the blood that deposits and crystalized in joints, tendons and tissue resulting in significant pain. The cause of gout is lifestyle such as alcohol and meat, genetic, medical conditions and certain medications.
In the foot gout often presents as swelling, redness warmth of the big toe joint with pain being worse in the evening or at night. Blood work, sampling of fluid from the effected joint, and imaging can help in the diagnosis
Symptoms
Pain, swelling, redness is seen in new cases. With long standing elevation of uric acid lumps under the skin or “tophi” may become apparent
Treatment
Changes in lifestyle may be necessary for prevention. certain anti-inflammatories and steroids are helpful in the acute stage. Long term medication may be needed for those with reccurent episodes.
