Editor’s note: Dr. Kayla Emter, podiatrist/foot & ankle surgeon at Jamestown Regional Medical Center, shares information on gout. As a student, Dr. Emter struggled with painful bunions, which required surgery. Form that experience, she wanted a career in the medical field so she could educate and help others. Today, Dr. Emter is qualified through the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgeons, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons and the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Image of JRMC Podiatrist/Foot & Ankle Surgeon, Dr. Kayla Emter.
Image of JRMC Podiatrist/Foot & Ankle Surgeon, Dr. Kayla Emter.

A painful, warm and swollen big toe wakes you. You don’t recall any injury and are wondering how this appeared out of the blue.

If this is the first time, you likely schedule an appointment to see a doctor. If this is not the first time, this pain is all too familiar.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

Urate crystals deposited in joints cause gout, which is a type of arthritis. Gout occurs when:

  • the body produces too much uric acid. Uric acid is a byproduct of purines, a substance in the body also found in certain foods.
  • kidneys don’t properly eliminate the uric acid causing it to build up in the body.

Untreated gout can lead to joint damage. It can also lead to deposits in the skin called tophi. Tophi are a buildup of gout crystals. Tophi can be found in numerous paces including fingers, elbows, feet and the Achilles tendon.

Risk factors that increase the risk of attack include:

  • a diet rich in meat, seafood and alcohol
  • high blood pressure, kidney disease and diabetes
  • using aspirin or blood pressure medications
  • recent trauma or surgery
  • a family history of gout
  • gender: men are more likely to develop gout attacks, however, the chance for women increases after menopause.

To avoid gout maintain a healthy weight, watch your diet and drink plenty of water. Some medications can help treat an acute gout attack and prevent them in the future. If you think you are having a gout attack, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. Free injury screenings are always available. Those screenings can help individuals understand their treatment options.

Know that studies show: care is better close to home. Jamestown area residents need not to travel for specialty services. If you or someone you love needs relief, contact the JRMC Clinic at (701) 952-4878. Schedule a free injury screening at (701) 952-4800.

 

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