Gout is caused by a disturbance of the uric-acid metabolism of your body. Briefly, some food we eat ... and other substances in our bodies ... naturally convert to uric acid. However, if our body doesn’t properly process uric acid, it forms tiny pointed crystals that may be deposited in the joints of the toes, ankles and knees--along with other parts of the body--where they produce inflammation, swelling and pain.

The onset of gout may be partly due to heredity, but obesity, alcohol consumption and poor eating habits also play a role. If left untreated, the deposits of uric acid crystals will become larger and more debilitating. Attacks may become more frequent and painful, and eventually can affect the kidneys and other organs.

Although acute attacks of gout usually last several days and are accompanied by swelling, redness and severe pain, you can have gout without these attacks.

If you're experiencing pain and swelling of a joint--most often at the base of the big toe--you may have gout and should check with your podiatrist for a professional evaluation.

With proper medication, gout is one of the most easily and successfully treated of all the arthritic diseases. So don't suffer needlessly.

Can a podiatrist help you? We make it easy to find out. Here's how....

The physicians and staff of the A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Centers maintain two complete podiatric clinical facilities and provide 24-hour emergency service. We participate in most health plans including Blue Cross / Blue Shield, Medicare, and Medicaid. We complete and file all necessary insurance forms and make every effort to assure you of maximum benefits with minimum out-of-pocket expense.

You are invited to make an appointment today to relieve your foot problems by calling us at 970-493-4660 or 970-667-0769.