Could Gout Be the Reason Your Joints Are Aching?

Nearly 1 in 25 Americans suffers from gout. A family history of the disease significantly increases your chances of developing this form of intractable arthritis, which can be painful and debilitating. 

Getting a diagnosis can help you find a treatment plan that works for you, and lifestyle changes can help you manage your condition and prevent flare-ups. 

At Advantage Spinal Dynamics & Innovative Medicine in Meridian, Idaho, our team of experienced medical practitioners can correctly diagnose the cause of your joint pain and recommend appropriate treatment and/or lifestyle changes. 

Gout 101 

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that commonly occurs in one joint at a time, most often in the big toe. Gout, however, can affect the ankle, knee, and lesser toe joints. The inflammation causes swelling, heat, and redness in the affected joint, and the pain can be intense. 

Symptoms typically occur at night, and they can wake you from deep sleep. You might feel like your big toe is on fire, and any degree of pressure can be painful. The inflammation and pain get worse during flare-ups and retreat during times of remission.

Over time, repeated flare-ups can worsen into chronic gouty arthritis.

Diagnosing gout 

Gout is caused by hyperuricemia, or an overabundance of uric acid in the body. The uric acid forms crystals in your joints, causing the inflammation and pain associated with gout. Certain people are more at risk of developing gout.

Risk factors include: 

• Obesity 
• Being male 
• Heavy alcohol intake
• Family history
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Congestive heart failure
• Poor kidney function
• Frequent use of diuretics (water pills)
• A purine-heavy diet

Uric acid is formed when your body breaks down purines, which are found in red meat, organ meat, and some types of seafood. Gout is diagnosed using a physical examination to check for inflammation and a lab test to check for uric acid crystals in the affected joint.

Treatment options for gout 

Unfortunately, there’s no known cure for gout. However, we can help you alleviate symptoms and reduce swelling and discomfort. 

Once you’ve been diagnosed, you can begin managing and minimizing your painful flares through medications and lifestyle changes. Treatment options for gout include: 

• Eating less red meat 
• Drinking less alcohol
• Losing weight 
• Medications to lower uric acid levels
• Stopping the use of diuretics 
• Anti-inflammatory pain management 
• Steroids

Advantage Spinal Dynamics provides a number of treatments for joint pain, including symptoms caused by gout. To learn more about your options, schedule a consultation by calling 208-225-4358, or request an appointment online.