Gout is the result of a build-up of uric acid in the blood. Small crystals form, which collect in the joint causing irritation and inflammation, and can be very painful. Men tend to be affected more than women, and diet and lifestyle choices are to blame.
Book an appointmentThe main symptom of gout is waking up in the middle of the night with a throbbing pain in your big toe. Your toe will also be swollen and appear red, hot and be extremely painful to touch. The pain lasts for a few hours and usually subsides then doesn’t return for a few months.
Get in touchGout can be controlled and regulated with anti-inflammatory drugs, which your GP will be able to prescribe.
We give you a personalised treatment plan, based on the severity of your instability and your specific clinical needs. We see you for regular follow up appointments to check on your progress and ensure the treatment is proving successful.
At Podiatry Station, we also offer MLS laser therapy, which is an innovative treatment to reduce pain. It addresses the cause of that pain, whether this is by healing, repair or regeneration. Pain relief can often be felt after the first session. Laser therapy is completely safe, as well as non-invasive and painless.
Book an assessmentGout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by the accumulation of urate crystals in the joints. These crystals form when there is an excess of uric acid in the blood. The body may produce too much uric acid, or it may have difficulty excreting it, leading to the development of painful crystals in the joints, most commonly in the big toe.
Gout typically presents with sudden and severe pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the affected joint, commonly the big toe. The pain can be intense and may be accompanied by fever. Gout attacks often occur at night and can last for a few days to a couple of weeks.
Lifestyle changes play a crucial role in managing gout. This includes maintaining a healthy diet low in purines (found in certain meats and seafood), staying hydrated, limiting alcohol consumption, and achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Medications, such as urate-lowering drugs and anti-inflammatory medications, may also be prescribed to prevent and manage gout attacks.
Gout is diagnosed through a combination of clinical examination, medical history, blood tests to measure uric acid levels, and joint fluid analysis to detect the presence of urate crystals. Treatment involves managing acute attacks with anti-inflammatory medications and addressing the underlying cause by reducing uric acid levels. Long-term medications, lifestyle changes, and dietary modifications are often recommended to prevent future gout attacks and complications.
