The first time Kathleen Sundbye experienced a gout attack, she had no idea what it was. “The pain was unbearable and seemed to come from the inside out, so I thought that maybe I had a piece of glass lodged in my toe,” the 63-year-old said. It took several unsuccessful tests for conditions such as neuropathy and bursitis before a visit to a foot specialist identified Sundbye’s condition. Gout occurs three to four times more frequently in men than women, creating the misconception that women do not get gout. Due to this perception, gout is often misdiagnosed in women.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you have any concerns regarding gout, consult with Dr. Bryant A. Tarr, DPM of Sudbury and Westford Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
What is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Sudbury and Westford, MA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.