Gout
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that can cause excruciating pain, stiffness and swelling in a joint, often in the big toe. Over time, this can harm joints, tendons and other tissues.
Most common in men, gout is caused by too much uric acid in the blood, which causes hard crystals to form in the joint. People who are overweight, drink too much alcohol, eat too much red meat and fish have higher chances of experiencing gout.
A common symptom of gout is a nighttime attack of swelling, tenderness, redness and sharp pain in the big toe. It can also attack your foot, ankle, knees and other joints.
In order to diagnosis gout, our doctors will ask you to describe your symptoms and perform a physical exam and a blood test. We may also sample the fluid from your joint to test for uric acid crystals.
Living a healthy lifestyle by eating a healthy diet, eliminating or reducing purine-rich foods, managing your weight and exercising can help manage the symptoms.
