Sometimes I become almost a magician when I am practicing podiatry and it’s so gratifying! An acute gout attack is one of those times.
An acute gout attack often will wake you up with pain in your great toe joint, (your big toe). Gout can occur in any joint, but it is most common in the great toe joint. Some foods and drinks can bring on a gout attack, but that is beyond the scope of this blog. Learn more about them here. I refer gout patients back to their medical doctors for evaluation of the cause and long-range treatment of the root problem, excess uric acid in the body. This can be caused by either making too much of the acid or not being able to get rid of it. Genetics, alcohol use, diseases, and other factors can contribute.
Where I create my magic is relieving severe pain from the acute attack. I perform a specific nerve block with a long-lasting local anesthetic. As a board-certified foot surgeon and podiatrist, I am an old hand at finding the precise location for this block, decreasing any pain from this procedure. I prescribe a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and provide you a list of foods that can exacerbate gout.
By the time you leave my office, you will have significant relief of your pain. By the time the affected area “wakes up” usually 80 to 100 percent of the pain is gone! You may even think I’m a magician!
Call us at Austin Foot Pain Specialists to find out more.