Gout Treatment in Eugene
Sudden pain, redness, tenderness, or swelling, typically felt in the big toe, is often indicative of gout. However, pain, swelling, and intense heat in any of the foot or ankle joints are also symptoms of gout. The pain often comes on so severely that it may wake you in the middle of the night. Fortunately, various lifestyle changes and conservative treatments are available for gout. In severe cases, surgery may be the necessary gout treatment.
What is Gout?
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body. This excess uric acid leads to the formation of crystals that often form in the toe joints or ankle. Although anyone may develop gout, certain risk factors may make you more prone to developing this type of arthritis. Risk factors include:
- Diabetes
- Diets high in animal proteins (red meats, organ meats, cod, scallops, salmon)
- Excess alcohol consumption
- Family history of gout
- High blood pressure
- Kidney disease
- Obesity
- Prescription medications (diuretics/water pills)
- Sleep apnea
- Smoking
- Thyroid disease
Treatments for Gout
Non-surgical treatments for gout include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroids, or colchicine (prescription medication). Your podiatrist will also advise you to lose weight if you are overweight and to limit red meats, alcohol, and certain types of seafood.
To prevent gout attacks, you may be prescribed medications such as xanthine oxidase inhibitors, probenecid (brand name Probalan), or others. Your podiatrist may suggest adding antioxidant-rich foods such as dark berries to your diet.
Surgery is always the last resort for gout treatment. It will only be recommended as a gout treatment if you develop hard deposits known as tophi in your joints. In addition to causing pain and swelling, tophi can cause permanent damage to joints, so they may need to be removed. In other cases, if tophi have already damaged joints, you may be a candidate for joint fusion surgery
Schedule an Appointment for Gout Treatment in Eugene
At Eugene Foot and Ankle Health Center, Dr. Michael “Dusty” McCourt is a board-certified podiatric surgeon and an associate of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. He provides conservative and surgical treatments to patients suffering from gout and other forms of arthritis. Call 541-683-3351 or request an appointment online.
Contact Us
Eugene
P: (541) 683-3351
F: (541) 683-6440
Hours:
Monday............ 8:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday............ 8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday............ 8:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday............ 8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday............ 8:00am - 4:00pm (Only available on phones)
Closed for lunch from 12pm - 1pm and closed until 1:30pm on Tuesdays
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