While living with gout pain can be challenging, proper management significantly impacts quality of life. The Maryland Gout Institute experts can diagnose gout so you can begin pain treatment. We help alleviate symptoms to prevent future gout attacks. For gout management in Towson, Maryland, call us at 410-709-0885 or fill out this online form to schedule an appointment to see Dr. Mark E. Spier.
Visit the Maryland Gout Institute for Your Gout Pain in Towson
With the help of the Maryland Gout Institute, patients may avoid long-term joint damage and enjoy continuous gout relief. Dr. Mark Spier has been a board-certified specialist since 1984, devoted to easing painful gout for many patients, further elevating patient care. If you have any questions or are tired of gout and foot pain, feel free to contact us. We utilize the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs, 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!
Our hours are Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, at 11710 Reisterstown Rd, Suite 208, Reisterstown, Maryland 21136.
What is Gout?
Gout is a type of inflammatory, painful arthritis that causes joint swelling. It happens when there is a buildup of uric acid in your body. Although gout mainly affects your big toe joint, it can also affect other joints, including your knees, feet, ankles, hands, elbows, and wrists. Additionally, recurring episodes of gout attacks occur. We can suggest medications and diet changes to help minimize your uric acid levels and reduce the occurrence of your gout attacks in the future.
Symptoms and Causes of Gout
Gout Symptoms
Gout attacks are painful and can occur suddenly, often overnight. During a gout attack, symptoms may include:
- Intense pain
- Redness or discoloration
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Tenderness, even if it’s a light touch
- A sensation of your joint being on fire
Causes of Gout
A development of excess uric acid in your body can cause gout. Your body naturally produces uric acid when breaking down chemicals known as purines in certain beverages and foods. Your kidneys typically filter uric acid out of your blood, leaving your body when you pee. However, if your body makes excessive uric acid or your kidneys don’t eliminate it from your bloodstream fast enough, uric acid crystals can build up and settle into your joints, causing sudden pain episodes, swelling, and other symptoms.
Gout Risk Factors
Unfortunately, gout doesn’t discriminate against anyone. However, men are more likely to develop the disease. Women typically don’t experience gout until after they have had menopause. People with certain medical conditions are also more likely to develop gout, including:
- Overweight or obesity
- Heart problems
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Blood cancer
- Family history of gout
- Consume lots of animal proteins, especially shellfish
- Drink excessive alcohol
- Take diuretic medication
- A diet consisting of high fructose corn syrup
Gout Prevention for Towson Residents and Beyond
The best way to prevent gout is to limit how often you consume high-purine drinks and foods. Ensure you drink plenty of water to help your kidneys work better and avoid dehydration. Exercising regularly can also help minimize stress on your joints and your risk for obesity and other medical conditions that make you more likely to develop gout.
Serving Towson, MD, and Surrounding Communities
We proudly serve gout management services to communities of Towson, MD, and all surrounding areas across:
- Baltimore County, MD – Doctors specializing in gout management
- Owings Mills, MD
- Pikesville, MD
- Reisterstown, MD
For gout management in Towson, Maryland, call the Maryland Gout Institute at 410-709-0885 or complete and submit our online form to schedule a same-day appointment.
Contact the Maryland Gout Institute for Gout Pain in Towson, 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 at (410) 847-7287! Follow our blog, Facebook, and X.