Gout

Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center

Podiatrists located in Laveen, AZ, Chandler, AZ & Mesa, AZ

Gout, also known as gouty arthritis, leads to agonizing pain and inflammation in your joints, particularly in your big toe. If you have a sudden onset of foot or ankle pain or have a history of gout, top-rated podiatrists Jonathan Ray, DPM, Kyle Durfey, DPM, AACFAS, DABPM, and Brian Hiapo, DPM, of Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center can help. Book your gout evaluation at the Chandler and Laveen, Arizona-based podiatry practice by clicking the online scheduler or by calling the clinic to speak with a team member.

Gout Q & A

What causes gout?

As a type of arthritis, gout is known for causing joint inflammation. But gout is unique in that it’s caused by a buildup of uric acid, which is a byproduct of purine digestion. Uric acid tends to crystallize in cooler areas. Because your toes are the furthest points from your heart and get the least amount of blood flow, they’re typically cooler, which is why gout most commonly affects the joints (especially your big toe).

Your uric acid level can spike if you have a diet high in purines. Consuming lots of alcohol, red meats, seafood, and even high-fructose corn syrup-based foods can all increase uric acid levels and boost your risk of gout. Your chances of developing high uric acid levels and gout can also be linked to:

Being overweight or obese
Decreased kidney function
Family history of gout

Sometimes, gout is caused by certain medications. If you take water pills for high blood pressure, for instance, your risk of gout increases.

Is gout painful?

Yes! Not only does gout cause discomfort, the sharp, stabbing, but burning pains associated with gout also tend to begin out of nowhere. When gout flares up, you may also experience any of these joint issues:

Inflammation
Tenderness
Redness
Warmth

You may even find that you have limited range of motion in the affected joint or that you have difficulty bearing weight on your foot. Since gout can peak for several days and cause ongoing symptoms for weeks at a time, schedule an evaluation at Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center at the very first sign of gout.

Can I get treatment for gout?

Yes, after all, gout is known for causing debilitating pain that can lower your quality of life. At Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center, Dr. Durfey or Dr. Hiapo evaluate you thoroughly and talk with you about your diagnosis. Depending on your personal medical history and the severity of your symptoms, your gout treatment may include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Specialized gout pain medications
Uric acid-lowering medications

Because dietary factors and achieving a healthy weight are so important for preventing gout, your dedicated podiatrist at Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center also counsels you on how to manage your diet and lose weight (if needed).

If you have a history of gout, you can get the treatment you need at Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center. Request an appointment online or call the office directly.

What we offer