Gout
Expert relief starts here.
Don’t let gout pain control your life.
Experiencing sudden, severe joint pain, especially in your big toe? You may be suffering from gout, a painful form of arthritis. At St. Luke's, our team of dedicated rheumatology specialists provide expert diagnosis and personalized treatment plans to manage gout, reduce flare-ups, and help you regain control of your life.
Identifying the symptoms of a gout attack
Gout is a common and complex form of arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the joints. It occurs when high levels of uric acid in your blood cause sharp, needle-like crystals to form in and around a joint. While it most often affects the large joint of the big toe, gout can occur in any joint. Common signs and symptoms of gout almost always occur suddenly, and often at night. They include:
- Intense joint pain: Severe pain that usually lasts 4 to 12 hours in the first attack.
- Lingering discomfort: After the most severe pain subsides, some joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks.
- Inflammation and redness: The affected joint or joints become swollen, tender, warm, and red.
- Limited range of motion: As gout progresses, you may not be able to move your joints normally.
Diagnosing and treating gout at St. Luke's
Our rheumatology experts use advanced diagnostic techniques to identify gout and rule out other conditions, creating a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. To diagnose gout, your doctor may recommend the following:
- Joint fluid test: Using a needle to draw fluid from your affected joint to look for urate crystals.
- Blood test: To measure the levels of uric acid in your blood.
- Imaging tests: X-rays, ultrasound, or a specialized CT scan (dual-energy CT) can help visualize crystals in the joints.
At St. Luke's, our goal is to treat acute attacks and prevent future flare-ups. Your personalized plan may include:
- Medications to treat acute attacks: NSAIDs, colchicine, or corticosteroids to manage pain and inflammation. This is a core service of our Rheumatology specialists.
- Medications to prevent complications: Drugs that block uric acid production or improve its removal from your body.
- Lifestyle and dietary counseling: Our team provides guidance on diet and lifestyle changes to help lower uric acid levels and reduce the risk of future attacks.
Why choose St. Luke's for gout care?
Our board-certified rheumatologists specialize in the diagnosis and management of gout and other rheumatic diseases. They collaborate with primary care physicians and other specialists to provide comprehensive, coordinated care.
At St. Luke’s Rheumatology, we offer the latest medications and treatment protocols to manage even the most complex cases of gout. Our focus is on long-term wellness, helping you manage your condition and maintain your quality of life. Take the first step toward managing your gout today.
Frequently asked questions about gout
It's often recommended to limit intake of red meat, organ meats, certain seafood, and alcohol (especially beer) as they are high in purines, which can raise uric acid levels.
While there is no cure for gout, it can be effectively managed with medication and lifestyle changes to prevent flare-ups and long-term joint damage.
Regular, low-impact exercise can be beneficial. However, during a painful flare-up, it is best to rest the affected joint.
