TANNER FOOT & ANKLE CLINICS (801) 773-4865 GARY N. OAKS DPM
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        • Pre Operative Instructions
        • Post Operative Visit Instructions >
          • Ankle stabilization
          • Endoscopic gastrocnemius recession
          • First metatarsophalangeal joint fusion or big toe joint fusion
          • Minimally invasive achiiles tendon repair protocol
        • Assistive Devices
      • Determining Covered Services
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      • Pain Medications and Controlled Substances
    • Shoe & Orthotic Guide >
      • Shoe Fitting
      • Shoe Stores
      • Lacing techniques
      • Orthotic Break In
    • Rehab and PT after surgery/injury
    • Medical Supplies at Amazon
    • Gait Videos
    • Tanner Clinic Patient Portal
    • Insurances Accepted
    • Patient Survey
    • Terms of use
  • Treatments Provided
    • Common Problems A-J >
      • Ankle Instability
      • Ankle Sprain
      • Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle
      • Blood Clots of the Foot or Leg (DVT)
      • Bone Infections/Osteomylitis
      • Bunion
      • bursitis
      • Callus or Corn
      • Cracked Heels
      • Flat foot
      • Foot Odor
      • Fractured Bones
      • Frostbite
      • Ganglion Cyst
      • Gout
      • Hammertoe
      • Heel Pain
      • Ingrown Toenail
      • Intractable plantar keratosis
      • Joint Pain
    • Common Problems K-Z >
      • Mole/Melanoma
      • Nail Fungus
      • Neuroma
      • Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
      • Plantar Wart
      • Puncture Wound
      • Restless Legs
      • Rheumatoid Arthritis
      • Skin Cancer
      • Smelly Feet
      • Stress Fractures
      • Sweaty Feet
      • Swollen Ankle (Edema)
      • Thick Nails
      • Tingling Feet (Neuropathy or Sciatica)
      • Tired Feet
      • Ulcers
    • Diabetic Feet >
      • Amputation Prevention
      • Foot Care
      • Peripheral Neuropathy
      • Diabetic Shoegear
      • Wound Care
    • Kids Feet >
      • Flatfeet
      • Heel Pain in Kids
      • Ingrown Toenails in Kids
      • In toeing, Pigeon toe or Genu Valgum
      • Waddling walk, Duck Walk or Genu Valgum
      • Orthotics
    • Sports Medicine >
      • Achilles Tendonitis
      • Ankle Sprain
      • Athletes Foot
      • Biomechanics
      • Joint Pain
      • Orthotics/Arch Supports
      • Running Injuries
      • Shin Slints
  • About Us
  • Location
Gout is a disorder that results from the build-up of uric acid in the tissues or a joint. It most often affects the joint of the big toe.
Causes
Gout attacks are caused by deposits of crystallized uric acid in the joint. Uric acid is present in the blood and eliminated in the urine, but in people who have gout, uric acid accumulates and crystallizes in the joints. Uric acid is the result of the breakdown of purines, chemicals that are found naturally in our bodies and in food. Some people develop gout because their kidneys have difficulty eliminating normal amounts of uric acid, while others produce too much uric acid.

Gout occurs most commonly in the big toe because uric acid is sensitive to temperature changes. At cooler temperatures, uric acid turns into crystals. Since the toe is the part of the body that is farthest from the heart, it’s also the coolest part of the body – and, thus, the most likely target of gout. However, gout can affect any joint in the body.

The tendency to accumulate uric acid is often inherited. Other factors that put a person at risk for developing gout include: high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, surgery, chemotherapy, stress, and certain medications and vitamins. For example, the body’s ability to remove uric acid can be negatively affected by taking aspirin, some diuretic medications (“water pills”), and the vitamin niacin (also called nicotinic acid). While gout is more common in men aged 40 to 60 years, it can occur in younger men as well as in women.

Consuming foods and beverages that contain high levels of purines can trigger an attack of gout. Some foods contain more purines than others and have been associated with an increase of uric acid, which leads to gout. You may be able to reduce your chances of having a gout attack by limiting or avoiding shellfish, organ meats (kidney, liver, etc.), red wine, beer, and red meat.

Symptoms
An attack of gout can be miserable, marked by the following symptoms:

  • Intense pain that comes on suddenly – often in the middle of the night or upon arising
  • Signs of inflammation such as redness, swelling, and warmth over the joint.
Diagnosis
To diagnose gout, the foot and ankle surgeon will ask questions about your personal and family medical history, followed by an examination of the affected joint. Laboratory tests and x-rays are sometimes ordered to determine if the inflammation is caused by something other than gout.

Treatment
Initial treatment of an attack of gout typically includes the following:

  • Medications. Prescription medications or injections are used to treat the pain, swelling, and inflammation.
  • Dietary restrictions. Foods and beverages that are high in purines should be avoided, since purines are converted in the body to uric acid.
  • Fluids. Drink plenty of water and other fluids each day, while also avoiding alcoholic beverages, which cause dehydration.
  • Immobilize and elevate the foot. Avoid standing and walking to give your foot a rest. Also, elevate your foot (level with or slightly above the heart) to help reduce swelling.
The symptoms of gout and the inflammatory process usually resolve in three to ten days with treatment. If gout symptoms continue despite the initial treatment, or if repeated attacks occur, see your primary care physician for maintenance treatment that may involve daily medication. In cases of repeated episodes, the underlying problem must be addressed, as the build-up of uric acid over time can cause arthritic damage to the joint.

Tanner Foot & Ankle Clinics

Tanner Clinic-Roy
3443 W. 5600 S. Suite #110
Roy, Utah. 84067
(801)773 4865  Appointment 
​
(801) 525-8757 Fax
DISCLAIMER OF Gary N. Oaks DPM
Gary N. Oaks DPM expressly disclaims all warranties and responsibilities of any kind, whether express or implied, for the accuracy or reliability of the content of any information contained in this Web Site, and for the suitability, results, effectiveness, or fitness for any particular purpose of the services, procedures, advice or treatments referred to herein, such content and suitability, etc., being the sole responsibility of parties other than Gary N. Oaks DPM, and the reliance upon or use of same by you is at your own independent discretion and risk.  For further details see "Terms of Use".
  • Home
  • Make an Appointment
  • Patient Information
    • Medical Records Release Info
    • Office Visit Handouts
    • Patient Forms and Policies >
      • New Patient History Form
      • Surgery Instructions and Post Operative Information >
        • Pre Operative Instructions
        • Post Operative Visit Instructions >
          • Ankle stabilization
          • Endoscopic gastrocnemius recession
          • First metatarsophalangeal joint fusion or big toe joint fusion
          • Minimally invasive achiiles tendon repair protocol
        • Assistive Devices
      • Determining Covered Services
      • Disability Form Processing Policy
      • Pain Medications and Controlled Substances
    • Shoe & Orthotic Guide >
      • Shoe Fitting
      • Shoe Stores
      • Lacing techniques
      • Orthotic Break In
    • Rehab and PT after surgery/injury
    • Medical Supplies at Amazon
    • Gait Videos
    • Tanner Clinic Patient Portal
    • Insurances Accepted
    • Patient Survey
    • Terms of use
  • Treatments Provided
    • Common Problems A-J >
      • Ankle Instability
      • Ankle Sprain
      • Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle
      • Blood Clots of the Foot or Leg (DVT)
      • Bone Infections/Osteomylitis
      • Bunion
      • bursitis
      • Callus or Corn
      • Cracked Heels
      • Flat foot
      • Foot Odor
      • Fractured Bones
      • Frostbite
      • Ganglion Cyst
      • Gout
      • Hammertoe
      • Heel Pain
      • Ingrown Toenail
      • Intractable plantar keratosis
      • Joint Pain
    • Common Problems K-Z >
      • Mole/Melanoma
      • Nail Fungus
      • Neuroma
      • Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
      • Plantar Wart
      • Puncture Wound
      • Restless Legs
      • Rheumatoid Arthritis
      • Skin Cancer
      • Smelly Feet
      • Stress Fractures
      • Sweaty Feet
      • Swollen Ankle (Edema)
      • Thick Nails
      • Tingling Feet (Neuropathy or Sciatica)
      • Tired Feet
      • Ulcers
    • Diabetic Feet >
      • Amputation Prevention
      • Foot Care
      • Peripheral Neuropathy
      • Diabetic Shoegear
      • Wound Care
    • Kids Feet >
      • Flatfeet
      • Heel Pain in Kids
      • Ingrown Toenails in Kids
      • In toeing, Pigeon toe or Genu Valgum
      • Waddling walk, Duck Walk or Genu Valgum
      • Orthotics
    • Sports Medicine >
      • Achilles Tendonitis
      • Ankle Sprain
      • Athletes Foot
      • Biomechanics
      • Joint Pain
      • Orthotics/Arch Supports
      • Running Injuries
      • Shin Slints
  • About Us
  • Location