Gout Q & A

Fair Oaks Podiatry and Sports Medicine is proud to treat individuals who have gout. If necessary, we will prescribe medications specifically for the treatment of gout. In some instances, NSAIDs help control the symptoms of gout, alleviating swelling, pain and more. However, some patients are unable to take NSAIDs as a result of stomach ulcers, kidney disease and other health issues. Another option for gout treatment is corticosteroids that relieve both pain and swelling. Such steroids are taken through an injection or orally. Our medical professionals will also consider providing colchicine to gout sufferers to minimize pain and inflammation. Ideally, colchicine will be taken within 24 hours of the gout attack.

Aside from medication, the doctor might also suggest changes in exercises and diet, the consumption of water at a higher frequency, a reduction in meat consumption and other lifestyle changes. The overarching goal of medication and other treatment modalities is to reduce the uric acid levels within the body to decrease the likelihood of subsequent gout attacks or even completely prevent them.

Every gout sufferer should know it is possible to control gout. The first step is to schedule an appointment with our office by dialing (703) 865-6783. Though gout initial affects a single joint, it has the potential to spread to additional joints, causing them to swell and redden. The faster your gout is treated, the better you will feel. Rely on our team for expert medical analysis and advice and you will be able to move forward knowing if you actually have gout or if your pain stems from another medical issue such as an infection.