What is gout?
Gout is a disorder that results from the build-up of uric acid in the tissues or a joint. It most often affects the joint of the big toe, though it can occur in other joints of the foot and ankle as well. Gout attacks tend to come on suddenly and can be intensely painful, often striking without warning.
Uric acid is the result of the breakdown of purines, chemicals that are found naturally in our bodies and in certain foods. Normally, uric acid dissolves in the blood and is filtered out by the kidneys. When uric acid accumulates faster than the body can eliminate it — either because of impaired kidney function or because the body is producing too much — it can crystallize and settle in a joint, triggering a sudden, painful inflammatory flare.
The big toe is the most commonly affected joint. Because the toe is the part of the body that is farthest from the heart, it is also one of the coolest parts of the body, which makes it a more likely target for uric acid crystals to form.
What causes gout?
Gout develops when uric acid accumulates and crystallizes in a joint. A number of factors can raise the risk of developing gout or triggering a flare, including:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Recent surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Significant physical or emotional stress
- Certain medications, including aspirin, diuretics, and niacin
- A family history or genetic predisposition to gout
Gout most commonly affects men between the ages of 40 and 60, although younger adults and women can develop it as well, particularly after menopause. Diet can also play a role in triggering flares — foods and beverages high in purines, such as shellfish, organ meats (like kidney or liver), red meat, beer, and red wine, are common triggers for people prone to gout.
Because gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis affecting the big toe joint, it can sometimes be confused with other big-toe conditions such as hallux rigidus or a bunion; a proper evaluation helps make sure the right condition is being treated.
What are the symptoms of gout?
A gout flare typically causes:
- Intense pain that comes on suddenly, often in the middle of the night or upon waking
- Redness over the affected joint
- Swelling of the joint
- Warmth in the affected area
The pain from a gout attack can be severe enough that even the weight of a bedsheet on the toe is uncomfortable. Flares can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks if untreated, and some people go on to experience recurring episodes.
How do we diagnose gout?
Diagnosis starts with a review of your medical history and a physical examination of the affected joint. Because several other conditions can cause similar sudden joint pain and swelling, laboratory tests and X-rays are sometimes used to help confirm gout and rule out other causes, such as infection or other forms of arthritis.
How is gout treated?
Treatment for an active gout flare focuses on reducing pain and inflammation as quickly as possible. This typically includes:
- Prescription medications or injections to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation during a flare
- Avoiding high-purine foods and beverages, such as shellfish, organ meats, red meat, beer, and red wine
- Increasing fluid intake while limiting alcohol consumption
- Immobilizing and elevating the affected foot to reduce strain and swelling
With treatment, the symptoms of a gout flare and the associated inflammation usually resolve within three to ten days. If you experience gout symptoms that persist or if flares recur, it is important to see your physician, since ongoing or repeated episodes may call for maintenance medication to control uric acid levels over the long term.
What is recovery from a gout flare like?
Most gout flares improve significantly within a week or two with appropriate treatment. Once the acute flare has resolved, managing diet, hydration, and any underlying risk factors — such as high blood pressure or obesity — plays an important role in reducing the frequency of future attacks. For people with recurring gout, your physician may discuss longer-term, uric-acid-lowering medication to help prevent additional flares.
When should you see a podiatrist for gout?
See a podiatrist promptly if you have sudden, intense pain, redness, swelling, or warmth in your big toe or another joint of the foot, especially if it woke you from sleep. Because gout can be mistaken for other conditions like infection or a different type of arthritis, an evaluation helps confirm the diagnosis and get you the right treatment quickly. When you are ready, you can request an appointment at either of our Northern Utah offices.
Why choose Wasatch Foot & Ankle Institute?
Wasatch Foot & Ankle Institute is a locally rooted podiatry practice serving Farmington, South Ogden, and the surrounding Davis and Weber County communities. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians focus exclusively on the foot and ankle, from acute gout flares to complex joint and reconstructive care.
That focus lets us diagnose and treat gout flares quickly, help you understand your individual risk factors, and coordinate with your primary care physician on longer-term management. We treat patients from both of our clinics; learn more about our Farmington and South Ogden locations or call the office nearest you.
Medically reviewed by the physicians at Wasatch Foot & Ankle Institute. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained podiatrists provide foot and ankle care in Farmington and South Ogden, Utah. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for an in-person evaluation.