What is gout? More than occasional, strictly painful flares (attacks), gout can damage joints, negatively impact overall mental and physical functioning, and intensify the risk of heart disease, strokes, and chronic kidney disease. Comprehending what gout is and practicing treatment advice from a medical professional is critical. Call the Maryland Gout Institute today at (410) 449-5928 or submit an online form to make an appointment with one of the best doctors specializing in gout treatment in Baltimore County, Maryland.
Maryland Gout Institute: Baltimore County’s Gout Specialist
For over four decades, Dr. Mark Spier has been a board-certified specialist in improving gout pain for many patients in Baltimore County, Maryland, helping them return to completing regular daily activities. The professionals at the Maryland Gout Institute help manage and treat gout symptoms with the following foot and ankle care services, including:
- Ankle sprains
- Bunions
- Flat feet
- Hammertoes
- Diabetes foot treatment in Baltimore, MD
- Heel spurs
- Corns
- Athlete’s foot
- Ankle pain
- Flat feet
- Fungus toenails
- Sports medicine
- Plantar fasciitis
- Heel pain
- Ingrown toenails
Introduction to Gout
Gout is a common form of arthritis that causes sudden pain and swelling in one or more joints. It forms in some people with high levels of uric acid in their blood. Uric acid, a natural waste product, develops crystals that can grow in joints and the skin. As a result, this causes pain and inflammation. Knowing the signs and symptoms of gout is the first step in receiving the right diagnosis. Gout has distinct features at every stage that can help it be easily recognized.
What are the Signs/Symptoms of Gout for Patients in Baltimore County?
A gout attack may cause sudden swelling, redness, and pain in and around the joint. Gout primarily targets the big toe in most people, but other joints can be affected, too. In chronic gout, tophi can develop, particularly near the knees, elbows, fingers, and ears. It can be chalky white, yellow, or skin-colored. Some tophi can be smaller than a pencil eraser, while others can be multiple inches wide. Sometimes, they can break through the skin, discharging tiny amounts of chalky, white material.
Who Gets Gout?
Many patients in the Baltimore County area develop gout, but the following are at higher risk:
- More common in men than in women
- Patients who are overweight
- If you constantly take water pills and diuretics
- Have a medical condition, including hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, and metabolic syndrome
- Excessive consumption of foods and drinks that are high in purines – sugary beverages and snacks, red meat, and shellfish
Proudly Serving Baltimore County, MD
We happily help treat gout in patients across Baltimore County, MD:
- Towson, MD
- Catonsville, MD
- Parkville, MD
- Middle River, MD
- Arbutus, MD
- Baldwin, MD
Living with Gout
You should always get emergency medical attention if you suddenly get a painful, swollen joint that you can barely move and a fever, because it could be a joint infection. Unfortunately, this may have serious implications. For less severe gout symptoms, call the MD Gout Institute at (410) 847-7287 as soon as possible for gout treatment in Baltimore County. It’s critical to establish the next best steps to better manage and treat your gout. To limit future gout flares, consider the following:
- Avoid consuming shellfish, gravies, red meat, soups and organ meats such as liver
- Limit alcohol consumption, especially beer
- Restrict drinking beverages high in sugar or fructose like concentrated juices or sodas
With early diagnosis, treatment, and lifestyle modifications, gout is one of the most manageable forms of arthritis. Many people avoid gout flares and can reduce the severity of their symptoms, becoming gout-free. As always, count on the Maryland Gout Institute to serve your foot and ankle needs and call us at (410) 847-7287 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Spier and receive gout treatment in Baltimore County, MD. Our practice is located at 11710 Reisterstown Rd, Suite 208, Reisterstown, MD.
Contact the Maryland Gout Institute for Gout Treatment in Baltimore County, Maryland
Since 1984, Dr. Mark E. Spier, has been providing various treatment options with a specialization in the treatment of gout. Our practice in Reisterstown, MD, also offers PinPointe laser treatment for heel pain. We pride ourselves on listening to our patients thoroughly and understanding the extent of their foot and ankle concerns. The Maryland Gout Institute accepts most insurance plans and welcomes new patients! To schedule an appointment, call our office today (410) 847-7287! Follow our blog, Facebook, and X.