Gout is a disease hallmarked by elevated levels of uric acid in the bloodstream. In this condition, crystals of monosodium urate (MSU) or uric acid are deposited on the articular cartilage of joints, tendons and surrounding tissues. It is marked by transient painful attacks of acute arthritis initiated by crystallization of urates within and about the joints and eventually leads to chronic gouty arthritis and the deposition of masses of urates in joints and other sites, creating tophi. Gout results from a combination of prolonged elevation of uric acid and overall acidity in the bloodstream.

Gout is characterized by excruciating, sudden, unexpected, burning pain, as well as swelling, redness, warmth, and stiffness udually in your big toe. These attacks can happen over and over unless gout is treated. Over time, they can harm your joints, tendons, and other tissues. This occurs most commonly in men but women can also have a case of the gout as well.. You may also experience a low-grade fever. You usually suffer from two sources of pain: The uric acid crystals inside your joint will cause intense pain whenever you move it and the tissues around the joint will become inflamed and sore. The skin of the affected area will turn red and become very sensitive to touch, to the point of you not wanting to place a blanket over your foot at night.

We can prescribe pain relief medications as well as topical creams to reduce the sensitivity of your skin. We will also check you for any fungal infection, which may accompany the gout and treat it as well. If you don't treat gout quickly, surgery may be necessary to remove the large tophi and correct joint deformity.