Gout doesn’t discriminate against anyone; it is an inflammatory arthritis that tends to form suddenly and without warning. If your big toe or ankles are suffering severe gout pain and flare-ups, don’t wait any longer to avoid long-term joint damage and enjoy long-lasting gout relief with the expert help of the Maryland Gout Institute. For gout management in Baltimore County, Maryland, call us today at 410-709-0885 or submit this online form to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark E. Spier.
Why Baltimore County Residents Visit the Maryland Gout Institute
The Accomplishments of Dr. Mark E. Spier
Do you suspect you have gout? You’ve come to the right place. At the Maryland Gout Institute, we treat gout symptoms and treatment. For over 40 years, Dr. Mark Spier has been a board-certified specialist in alleviating painful gouts for many residents in Baltimore County and surrounding cities in Maryland, helping them return to their daily life routines. His accomplishments include:
- Graduated from the University of Maryland College Park as an undergraduate student with a Microbiology major
- In 1983, he obtained his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) from the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine
- Accomplished his surgical residency at Lutheran Hospital of Maryland
- He became the first certified PinPointe Footlaser provider in Baltimore, Maryland
- His hospital affiliations with Northwest Hospital Center help further improve patient care
The Maryland Gout Institute is open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, at 11710 Reisterstown Rd, Suite 208, Reisterstown, MD 21136.
Our Expertise
The expert team at Maryland Gout Institute along with Dr. Spier are available to treat your gout and other foot problems, including:
- Ankle sprains
- Bunions
- Flat feet
- Hammertoes
- Diabetes foot care
- Heel spurs
- Corns
- Athlete’s foot
- Ankle pain
- Flat feet
- Fungus toenails
- Sports medicine
- Plantar fasciitis
- Heel pain
- Ingrown toenails
- And much more!
Areas We Cover
We proudly serve gout management services to communities of Baltimore County, Maryland, including:
- Baltimore, MD
- Owings Mills, MD
- Towson, MD
- Pikesville, MD
- Reisterstown, MD
A Detailed Breakdown of What Gout Is
What is Gout?
Gout is a prevalent form of chronic inflammatory arthritis affecting anyone’s joint, particularly the big toe. Its characteristics include swelling, redness, sudden severe pain attacks, and joint tenderness. Gout occurs due to excessive levels of uric acid in the bloodstream. Let us explain: Uric acid is a waste product that develops when the body breaks down purines naturally located in the body and certain foods. It is usually eliminated through urination. However, crystals can grow and build up in joints when the kidney doesn’t eliminate enough uric acid, or the body makes excessive uric acid. As a result, painful flare-ups occur.
Without proper gout management, painful gout attacks can often become intense, so recognizing the symptoms and seeking early treatment is imperative.
Symptoms of Gout
The symptoms of gout almost always happen suddenly; they are characterized as:
- Joint pain commonly heightens within the first 12 hours, debilitating it.
- The skin around the individuals’ joint may sometimes appear red or purplish, displaying signs of swelling and inflammation.
- Lingering discomfort may occur for multiple days or weeks, possibly affecting more joints.
- Limited and painful movement as the joint swells and inflames.
- In chronic gout, uric acid crystals can form lumps under the skin, known as tophi, which can worsen over time.
If you are experiencing any of these gout symptoms: chronic pain, swelling, painful flares, stiffness, or lumps under the skin (Tophi), please don’t wait any longer to contact Dr. Mark Spier from the Maryland Gout Institute today!
What are the Causes and Risks of Gout?
The common causes and risk factors of gout include:
- Foods consisting of red meat, shellfish, organ meats, and sugary beverages can surge uric acid levels
- Extremely consuming beer and other alcohol beverages
- Obesity
- Having hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, and metabolic syndrome
- Medicines such as low-dose aspiring, water pills, and specific immune-suppressing drugs
- A family history of gout
Regulating these lifestyle habits and risk factors is fundamental as part of your gout management and reducing future gout pain episodes.
Learn What Satisfied Customers Have to Say About the Maryland Gout Institute
- “A very caring doctor for my elderly Dad. A lot of patience and informative for our family to understand his treatment. Thank you” – Sharlene Matthews
- “A great experience during my year of treatment. Dr. Spier and his staff, Debbie, Kelly and Sam are all top notch care givers. I reccomend them to anyone needing care for gout or related problems.” – Frank Gobbel
- “I have known Dr. Mark Spier since he began his practice in the Rotunda in Baltimore City area. He is a kind, funny, and a compassionate doctor that cares for his patients. He is the best podiatrist I have ever seen! Highly recommend.!” – Ted Kenny
Contact Dr. Mark E. Spier for Gout Management in Baltimore County, MD
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.