Items filtered by date: March 2026

Arthritis is a painful disease that affects joints in the body. There are several kinds of arthritis, including osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and gout. Gout occurs when the body fails to fully expel uric acid from the body as it processes purines. This excess uric acid forms into hard crystals that accumulate in joints, most commonly in the joint at the base of the big toe. Diet, heredity, certain medical conditions, and other factors can make a person more prone to developing gout. Some believe that there may be an association between gout, OA, RA, and PsA in certain cases. This is because these conditions compromise joints, and make them vulnerable to other forms of arthritis. If you have any pain in the joints of your feet or ankles, contact a chiropodist for an examination. Once they make a diagnosis of your condition, an appropriate treatment plan can be devised and implemented.

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that can affect anyone. Please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Gout?

Gout is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. This type of arthritis is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. When uric acid crystallizes in a joint, often the joint of the big toe, it can bring about a gout attack. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of gout include: 

• Sudden and severe pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Warmth
• Joint stiffness
• Joint deformity

Diagnosis

A chiropodist will ask questions about your personal and family medical history, followed by an examination of the affected joint. Laboratory tests and x-rays are sometimes ordered to determine if the inflammation is caused by something other than gout. A sample of fluid taken from your joint can show whether it contains uric acid. 

Treatment

Prescription medications or injections are used to treat the pain, swelling, and inflammation. Patients with chronic gout can also use behavioral modifications such as diet, exercise, and decreased intake of alcohol to help minimize the frequency of gout attacks. Foods and beverages that are high in purines should be avoided since purines are converted in the body to uric acid. If left untreated, this painful condition can leave your joint permanently damaged and swollen.  

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Scarborough, ON .