Gout Specialist
Approximately 4 percent of adults are afflicted with a form of arthritis known as gout. The most common symptom of this affliction is an inflamed and painful big toe, but that’s just how it starts. If left untreated, you can end up with kidney problems and painful joints throughout your body. Dr. Lentzou of Healthonomic Primary Care can diagnose you and prescribe medicine to help you with the symptoms of gout. If you are having trouble getting out of bed each morning due to aching joints or what might appear to be tendonitis, make an appointment at Healthonomic Primary Care in Orland Park, Illinois, today.
Gout Q & A
What is gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis that is the result of too much uric acid in your blood. That can lead to swollen, painful joints that appear red or purple and are warm to the touch. It most often occurs in men. Alcohol intake, weight, age, and health issues also play a part in whether or not a person is affected by this illness.
The pain can last for weeks if left untreated and once it’s gone, you may not have another flare up for months or even years. There’s no cure for gout, so once you receive a diagnosis, Dr. Lentzou can assist you with dealing with the symptoms and keeping them under control.
How is gout diagnosed?
To accurately diagnose gout, Dr. Lentzou removes some fluid from one of your inflamed joints. It’s then sent off to a lab where it will be examined under a microscope for signs of uric acid. It can’t be identified with a blood test because not everyone with elevated levels of uric acid develops gout.
In addition to a painful big toe, the joints in your ankles and knees may also be affected. To ensure that you get the right diagnosis, Dr. Lentzou may also send you for an X-ray, ultrasound, or a computed tomography (CT) scan of the affected joints.
How is gout treated?
While gout is incurable, the symptoms are manageable. One of the most popular ways to do so is with anti-inflammatory drugs.
Dr. Lentzou may also suggest that you limit your intake of red meat, increase how many fruits and vegetables you eat, and do more physical activity to keep symptoms in check and reduce your risk of another attack.
How are gout and tendonitis alike?
Tendonitis is the result of overuse of a particular area of the body and can happen to anyone who does the same motion over and over. Tendonitis and gout tend to affect the same areas of the body and are therefore often confused.
Tendonitis is treated using rest and anti-inflammatory drugs. Dr. Lentzou may also give you a brace or sling to wear while the overuse injury heals.
While anti-inflammatories can help, rest will not help if you have gout.
Call or go online today to make an appointment if you have questions about your aching joints.
