At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, a condition we see more frequently this time of year is gout. Gout is a condition that is not very well-known to the public. Gout is a type of arthritis that develops in adulthood and is rarely seen in children. It usually develops earlier in adult men (between the ages of 30 and 45) than in adult women (after age 55). In the United States, it is estimated that gout affects about 4 percent of adults. Gout can be triggered by certain holiday foods this time of year and cause uric acid to build excessively in the body. 

Risks

Certain lifestyle factors will increase your risk of developing gout. The most common lifestyle factors include:

• Suffering a recent injury
• Fasting for long periods
• Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol
• Consuming large amounts of meat or seafood
• Consuming beverages that contain high fructose corn syrup
• Not drinking enough water (dehydration)
• Certain medications (such as diuretics, or any medication that may affect urate levels in the blood)

Symptoms of Gout

The most common symptoms of gout include, but are not limited to:

• Inflammation
• Lingering discomfort
• Intense joint pain
• Joints feeling hot-to-the-touch
• Stiffness

The Phases of Gout

There are three major phases of gout:

1. Gout Flare– Initial gout flares will most likely involve a single joint. Most often, this is the big toe or knee. Over time, flares can begin in other joints and may be accompanied by a fever. It is worth noting that those diagnosed with osteoarthritis in their fingers may experience their first gout flares in their fingers.
2. Intercritical Gout– This is the time between gout flares. When gout is treated, a second gout flare will typically occur within two years of the first and thereafter. If gout is left untreated, the time between each flare may shorten, symptoms accompanied by the flare will be more severe or prolonged and can involve multiple joints.
3. Tophaceous Gout– Those who suffer from repeated gout flares can develop tophaceous gout. This is a medical term that describes the accumulation of urate crystal masses (called “tophi”) in large amounts in the body. People with this type of gout will develop tophi in the joints, under the skin, in bones, cartilage, or even in the bursae (fluid-filled sacs that cushion and protect tissues). Over time, tophi can cause bone erosion and eventually damage the joints leading to deformities.

When To See a Podiatrist

If you have experienced any of the above symptoms, call our Middlesex County office at (860)-632-5499 and schedule an appointment with our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas.