Gout

Looking for a doctor to help with your gout foot condition in or around San Francisco, the Bay Area, or Sacramento? Novato Foot and Ankle Center can diagnose and treat your gout condition.

Gout is a disorder that is caused by excessive uric acid within a joint, most commonly the big toe joint. During a gout attack, the affected joint becomes red, hot and swollen and is typically very painful. Gout is most common in men between 40-60 years old, however can occur in women and various age groups. Gout is often triggered by certain food groups that cause an increase in uric acid including red meat, shellfish, beer and red wine.

Immediate treatment often requires medications or joint injections to decrease the local inflammation and pain. It is important to avoid the listed food groups during the gout attack and to prevent flares in the future. Gout attacks can self-resolve, however immediate treatment can expedite the process and decrease immediate pain. If appropriate, you may be started on preventative medication if you experience repeated episodes of gout to prevent long-term damage to the joints.

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