Red hot and swollen joint, you may be having a gout attack.
You think that you may be having a gout attack, but maybe you are unsure what that means. Gout is a condition that affects the joints of individuals who have elevated uric acid in their blood. Uric acid is produced in the body daily, as we create energy from the proteins we eat. When your body produces too much uric acid or your kidneys do remove it fast enough, you may experience a gout attack. The painful attacks almost always come without warning, are extremely painful, and untreated can last for days or even weeks.
Gout attacks love to occur in the joints of our feet, especially the great toe joint, because the decreased body temperature at this part of our bodies allows uric acid crystals to deposit in our joints. The affected joint will be red, hot and swollen and in most cases will not coincide with any injury.
Treatment for a gout attack usually includes very strong anti-inflammatory medications that will be prescribed for you. In some cases injections can be performed for more immediate relief.
Long term treatment to prevent future attacks involves eating protein in moderation, avoiding binge drinking, and possible daily medication to reduce risk of recurrence. At FAANT we can get you feeling better fast!